Renault Samsung targets niche markets of LPG, commercial vehicles

Renault Samsung, the South Korean subsidiary of French carmaker Renault, has been targeting the niche markets of liquefied petroleum gas and commercial vehicles in recent months, to promote sales in the face of intensifying competition and a sluggish economy.

QM6, a mid-sized sports utility vehicle powered by LPG, has boosted sales in the carmaker’s SUV segment by attracting customers looking for alternatives to diesel-powered SUVs here. Sales of SUVs with diesel engines have lost steam amid growing concerns over their negative impact on the environment and stronger regulations limiting carbon dioxide emissions.

Driven by increased sales of the New QM6 LPe, the QM6 ranked second on the list of bestselling mid-sized SUVs in July, with 4,262 units sold here. In July, Renault’s QM6 also took eighth place for number of vehicles sold in Korea, having climbed a notch from the previous month. The company has also been promoting the gasoline version of the QM6, highlighting high fuel efficiency on a par with diesel vehicles and enhanced noise control. The QM6 GDe has been the top mid-sized SUV vehicle since its launch in 2017. Its sales surpassed 46,000 in July, the company said.

Renault’s attempt to discover new market potential in the commercial vehicle sector continues with the Renault Master, a mid-sized van launched in October last year. It’s something new for the commercial segment, which has been dominated by minivans or small trucks from local brands, the company said. It is diversifying its sales platform via home shopping channels.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)