1994: Creation of Samsung Motors Inc.
 

The Samsung Group creates Samsung Motors Inc. (SMI) on the basis of a cooperation agreement with Nissan Motors.

1995-1996: Construction of the Busan plant
 

The site is built in line with Nissan's technological standards. Today Busan has a production capacity of 300,000 vehicles per year.

 
1998: Launch of the brand's first vehicle, the SM5
 

At the same time, Korea faces an economic crisis. Samsung is contrived to seek a buyer.

 
2000: Creation of Renault Samsung Motors
 

Renault becomes the first European constructor to establish operations in South Korea. Renault holds a 70% stake in the new company while the Samsung Group holds 20% and its creditor banks holds the remaining 10%. The activity is relaunched while Samsung Motors sells only 12,000 vehicles per year.

 
2002: Successful return under the Renault Samsung Motors brand
 

While the SM5 enjoys a growing success, the SM3 (inspired on Nissan Bluebird Sylphy) is launched.

 
2004: Launch of the SM7
 

The SM7 is spacious luxury sedan. Its design took inspiration in Nissan Teana.

 
2007: Launch of the QM5 cross-over in South Korea
 

Conceived and designed by Renault, developed by Nissan, the QM5 is manufactured by Renault Samsung Motors and marketed under the Samsung brand in South Korea. In the rest of the world, this vehicle has the name Renault Koleos. Besides, the SM5 and SM7 appear newly-redesigned.

 
2009: Event at the Seoul Motor Show
 

Renault Samsung Motors presents two vehicles: the first concept car fully created in the Kihueng center, eMX (for eco-motoring experience), and the New SM3 compact sedan, launched on the market in July 2009.

2010: Launch of the New SM5

A few days after its commercial launch in early 2010, the brand new SM5 sedan significantly exceeds sales targets with some 40,000 orders taken. A guarantee to remain the second most popular model in its segment (or even do better)!

 
2011: New SM7 and QM5

The new version of the brand's high-end sedan is introduced at the Seoul Motor Show through the SM7 Concept show car. Other announcements are: SM3 Z.E. (a 100% electric sedan) and Twizy Concept (a 100% electric urban vehicle). In June, a new version of QM5, more powerful and sober than its predecessor, is released. New SM7 is also launched in the summer.

2012: a new business plan and mid- to long-term vision

After a difficult year 2011 (with sales down 27%). Renault Samsung Motors presents its business plan for 2012, as well as its mid- to long-term vision. The company announces its intention to drive qualitative growth thanks to enhanced profitability. Secondly, to increase its presence in its local and global markets by maintaining its leadership in the field of electric vehicles and by expanding its product line-up. Thirdly, to maintain the customer satisfaction index lead it has enjoyed for 11 consecutive years thanks to an ongoing proactive quality management campaign. And finally to reinforce its status as the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s Asian hub.