Renault Samsung SM5 Gets Early Success

Renault Samsung Motors, which is an 80.1 per cent-owned subsidiary of Renault, has been marketing New SM5 in Korea since January 2010. Some 40,000 cars have been sold since the beginning of year that surpasses the original objective.

OneShift Editorial Team

23 Mar 2010

Designed to appeal to Korea's upper middle classes, New SM5 is expected to continue the success of its predecessor, the second most popular model in its segment. In 2009, which was a record year for Renault Samsung Motors in Korea, SM5 sales totalled 60,960, almost half the number produced by the brand. Since going on sale last January, New SM5 has significantly exceeded sales targets and some 40,000 orders have already been taken. With average orders as high as 700 sales every day, it looks as though initial objectives will be surpassed. On the day of New SM5's release (January 18), exactly 2,012 orders were taken in a single day, while 14,000 pre-launch advance orders were received.

In addition to its generous exterior dimensions (length: 4.89m / width: 1.83m / height: 1.49m), the new SM5 features elegant, stylish looks highlighted by several chrome trim details. At the same time, its equipment package – which is worthy of models from superior segments – places the emphasis very much on innovation and includes a dual-mode air ionizer with fragrance diffuser (a first in Korea), three-mode automatic climate control (a first for the segment in the country), a massaging driver's seat, Bose Premium audio, a hands-free card, and adaptive, directional bi-Xenon headlamps.

It is initially available with the Alliance's two-litre petrol engine, driving through the remarkably smooth Xtronic transmission. A petrol V6 and, of course, a choice of dCi diesel powerplants will become available at a later date.

New SM5's precise, responsive front suspension benefits from Renault's extensive engineering expertise. This, combined with other features developed in association with Nissan, delivers a standard of comfort and a silent ride that promise to give the newcomer a decisive edge over its rivals.

From the development of New SM5 to its production, including validation testing and finetuning, the teams at Renault Samsung Motors took their lead from the knowhow of Renault and Nissan. The new version marks a further step towards Renault Samsung Motors' independence with regard to product development.

Credits: wilswong