XM3 with Overhauled Powertrain... Will It Become Renault Samsung's Savior?

European Exports Also Accelerate with Launch of Facelift Model

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Renault Samsung Motors' compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) XM3 is not only beginning full-scale exports to the European market but also reorganizing its lineup domestically by releasing a facelift model. Amid this, attention is focused on whether the XM3 can become the 'savior' for Renault Samsung's performance improvement.

According to the industry on the 13th, the 'New Arkana' (the European export name of the XM3) produced by Renault Samsung will expand its sales channels to 28 European countries starting this month. Previously, the New Arkana was pre-launched in four countries?France, Germany, Italy, and Spain?since March.

The preliminary test results of the XM3 in the European market are encouraging. Since the pre-launch in the four countries, the XM3's sales volume for about two months exceeded the initial target (7,250 units), recording approximately 9,000 units. Renault Samsung expects that if this sales trend continues until the end of the year, the annual sales volume in the European market will approach 50,000 to 60,000 units.

Actual export performance is also showing a significant upward trend. As of May, the export volume of the XM3 was 4,247 units, an increase of 43.4% compared to the previous month. The cumulative export volume from January to May was 12,626 units, accounting for about 66% of Renault Samsung's total export volume (18,530 units).

Dominique Signora, president of Renault Samsung, did not hide his expectations. At a press conference on the 10th, he said, "Local European media and purchasing customers are giving favorable reviews on the design and product quality of the (XM3)," adding, "We expect more demand once full-scale sales begin."

Meanwhile, Renault Samsung is aiming for a revival domestically with the launch of the 2022 XM3 model. While the XM3 ranked first in the compact SUV market with monthly sales of about 6,200 units as recently as April last year, sales dropped to 984 units as of May this year.

The 2022 XM3 applies advanced technologies and convenience features such as Highway Traffic Assist (HTA), Lane Keeping Assist (LCA), and In-Car Payment, while significantly enhancing product quality by unifying the design with the export model New Arkana. The price is also structured from 17.87 million KRW to 26.41 million KRW by trim, offering good cost-effectiveness.

A Renault Samsung official said, "With the addition of Highway Traffic Assist and In-Car Payment, along with the upgraded Easy Connect, we expect increased interest in the XM3 from young customers with distinct personalities," adding, "Following the successful launch in 2020, we will make sure the XM3 once again creates a sales sensation in the compact SUV market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.