Renault Korea achieved nearly 100,000 export units to Europe last year, marking the highest export volume to that region since its founding.
In 2022, Renault Korea exported a total of 98,861 units to Europe, including 93,251 units of the XM3 (export name: Renault Arkana) and 5,088 units of the QM6 (export name: Renault Koleos). This accounted for 84.5% of Renault Korea’s total export volume of 117,020 units for the year.
Thanks to the strong sales of the XM3, which was launched in the European market in June 2021, Renault Korea surpassed its first 50,000 exports in the European market in 2021 and further raised the record with close to 100,000 units last year. The sales volume of the XM3 across European countries last year was led by France (33,467 units), followed by Spain (13,936 units), the UK (8,325 units), Germany (7,785 units), and Italy (7,139 units).
Last year, the XM3 was also exported to 54 countries worldwide, including Australia (2,503 units) and Japan (1,264 units), with 5,033 units shipped to Asia and Africa, and 882 units to South America. Beginning with exports to Chile in July 2020, the XM3 has shown steady growth with total cumulative exports of 156,794 units: 909 units in 2020, 56,719 units in 2021, and 99,166 units in 2022. The export of the XM3 E-Tech hybrid model saw a significant increase as well, with 30,701 units in 2021 and 58,778 units in 2022.
However, despite the positive reception from experts and actual buyers of the XM3 in the European market, Renault Korea’s export performance is facing potential setbacks due to recent challenges in securing dedicated automotive shipping vessels and rising export logistics costs. Consequently, the Renault Korea Suppliers Association recently issued a call for export support for survival, and Renault Korea is seeking solutions in collaboration with the government and related agencies.
Produced in Busan, the XM3 is developed by the local research team at Renault Technology Korea in Yongin as part of a global project. The XM3, a coupe-style SUV that meets the practicality of an SUV and the comfort of a sedan, features an attractive design and a variety of advanced convenience and safety features, making it especially popular among younger consumer segments.
Launched in the domestic market at the end of October last year, the XM3 E-Tech hybrid is distinguished by its hybrid driving system that incorporates technology expertise from Renault Group’s F1 machines, making it one of the closest hybrids to fully electric vehicles. As a result, the XM3 E-TECH hybrid has received accolades from experts and actual buyers in the European market since its initial launch as the best hybrid vehicle.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr