Renault Samsung XM3 Selected as Car of the Year by Automotive Journalists Association

by Lee Changhwan

Published 25 Feb.2021 10:28(KST)

Renault Samsung XM3

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Renault Samsung Motors announced on the 25th that its compact SUV ‘XM3’ and electric sedan ‘Renault Zoe’ won a total of 3 awards in 12 categories at the ‘2021 Car of the Year’ ceremony held by the Korea Automobile Specialized Reporters Association on the 22nd at Race Way in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province.

On that day, the XM3 received the honor of winning two awards, ‘Compact SUV of the Year’ and ‘Design of the Year.’ The Renault Zoe won in the category of ‘Electric Sedan of the Year’ (including hatchbacks).

The XM3 is a premium design SUV introduced by Renault Samsung Motors as the first domestic brand, leading a new market with styling that perfectly combines the appeal of SUVs and sedans. In particular, it is evaluated as the first domestic brand to popularize the coupe-style design, which was previously only seen in imported car brands.

Since its launch in March last year, the XM3 has recorded monthly sales of over 5,000 units for four consecutive months. The sales volume for the first three months after launch was 16,922 units, and the cumulative sales for four months reached 22,252 units. This is the highest cumulative sales volume among domestic compact SUVs in the first four months after launch.

More than half of the customers cited the unique premium design, which allows them to enjoy the appeal of both sedans and SUVs simultaneously, as the reason for choosing the XM3. Following design, the excellent driving performance of the TCe260 engine was also cited as a purchase factor.

The Renault Zoe is a bestseller electric vehicle, recording sales of 100,657 units in 2020, making it the best-selling model in the European EV market.

Since its launch in 2012, the Renault Zoe has focused on providing the joy of ‘pragmatic mobility’ by emphasizing multifunctionality and quality stability rather than drastic changes through its three generations to date. In particular, its outstanding safety, including a ‘zero fire occurrence’ record during charging since its launch in 2012, has greatly enhanced trust in the product.

Kim Taejun, Head of Sales at Renault Samsung Motors, said, “We are pleased and honored to share the news of winning three awards for Car of the Year 2021. We will do our best to become Renault Samsung Motors that repays customers with top quality and trust throughout this year, leading to new hope and a leap forward.”