Renault Samsung hits competitive stride
SM5
Such an achievement has been attributed to the automaker’s cooperation with business partners, leading to higher quality parts, as well as continuous investment on facilities such as the Renault Samsung Motors’ eighth international logistic network opened in Busan last month.
Yet most of the growth that has notched up the company’s position in the Korean market from fourth to third was largely contributed by the company’s midsize New SM3 whose popularity has threatened competition, including Hyundai Motor’s Avante. Additionally there are big expectations as the company will soon launch its latest ambition, the New SM5.
These are two vehicles to be watched as they hold great potential to bring the nation’s automotive industry to a higher level.
Renault Motor sold 166,585 vehicles in the first 11 months of this year. This is a 26.8 percent sales increase from a year ago, an achievement made even when the economic conditions were unfavorable. Such growth was due largely to brisk sales of the New SM3.
Although the vehicle first landed in Korea last July, it sold 23,898 units by the end of November.
The New SM3 is No. 1 in sales reservations for smaller midsize vehicles in Korea, with some 53,000 units requested but not actually given to buyers yet.
The vehicle has installed the latest technology, including the smart key system and Bose sound system, which is often ranked as the top audio sound system in its category.
Furthermore, Renault Samsung Motors brand value moved up further after winning first place in Marketing Insight’s customer satisfaction survey, again largely due to the New SM3. The company has maintained the first spot since 2002.
The new kid that will be arriving on the block is the larger New SM5.
SM3
The vehicle by design already appears competitive. It has adopted a milder but sophisticated European design that brings out a soothing appearance fit for a more prestigious vehicle. The vehicle has expanded in size. It is 488.5 centimeters (16 feet) long, 183 centimeters wide and 149 centimeters high.
Also the vehicle is equipped with new products to try to raise the comfort of the vehicle, including the Xtronic transmission and an electronic parking break, which allows the side breaks to automatically lock on when turning off the engine.
The New SM5 is the first vehicle of its category to apply the Bi-Xenon Front Lighting System, an intelligent lightening system that adjusts the lightening according to the situation.
It has also applied the review-monitoring system.
Workers inspect cars at Renault Samsung’s production lines in Busan. Provided by the company
By Lee Ho-jeong [ojlee82@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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