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RENAULT IN SOUTH KOREA

The Renault group is present in South Korea through the company Renault Samsung Motors. It is Korea’s fourth biggest manufacturer and the future is looking bright.

A prosperous automotive sector 

South Korea is enjoying strong economic performance, with growth of around 5% in recent years. This expansion is balanced by rising household consumption and buoyant foreign trade.

 

South Korea is the world’s fifth biggest vehicle manufacturer with 3.8 million units produced in 2006 and total market sales of 1.26 million vehicles in 2007. The market has attractive growth prospects, since household ownership figures could still increase.

Renault Samsung Motors: strong presence on the South Korean market 

Busan plant

Renault has been present in South Korea since 2000, when it took over the automotive arm of the Samsung group and founded Renault Samsung Motors. In 2009, RSM ranked fourth on the South Korean market, behind Hyundai, Kia and GM Daewoo.

 

Renault Samsung Motors has an ultra-modern plant in South Korea. Located in Busan, the site has a production capacity of 300,000 vehicles/year and employs a workforce of more than 3,000. Renault Samsung Motors also has advanced technical and design facilities with the Renault Samsung Technical Center and Creative Center, both based in Giheung.

 

Renault Samsung Motors renewed its range between 2009 and 2010 with the launch of two new models, New SM3 and New SM5. Both vehicles are highly promising. New SM5 is already posting sales volumes comparable to its predecessor, just a few months after launch.

QM5 : the Renault group on the crossover market 

The Busan plant produces the SM3, SM5 and SM7 sedans as well as the latest addition to the range, the crossover QM5. A cross between a 4x4, a sedan and an MPV, QM5 was launched in Korea in November 2007. Part of the production is exported to other markets, under the name Renault Koleos.

 

QM5 illustrates the Group’s ability to pool its expertise. Produced by Renault Samsung Motors, it was designed by Renault and developed by Nissan.

 

 

South Korea in brief (2009 figures):

 

  • Capital: Seoul

  • Area: 99,274 km²

  • Population: 49 million

  • GDP: US$ 969,795 million

  • Roads: 87,534 km

 

Key figures for Renault Samsung Motors (2009):

 

  • Company owned 80.1% by Renault and 19.9% by Samsung.
  • 5,548 employees or 4.6% of the total Group headcount.
  • 189,897 vehicles produced, or 8.4% of total Group output.
  • 136,467 vehicles sold, or 5.9% of total Group sales.
  • 10.8% market share in South Korea.
  • 191 sales outlets in South Korea.

 

Also on Renault.com