Renault Clio hatchback well-received by motorists
The 2018 Renault Clio hatchback / Courtesy of Renault Samsung
By Baek Byung-yeul
Renault Samsung has made the best use of a two-track strategy _ bringing in famous models directly while manufacturing other cars in a local plant.
The French carmaker's Korean unit introduced its Clio compact car last month and the hatchback has been selling well here.
Renault Samsung said the Clio set a monthly record among the compact car segment this year after selling 756 units of the Clio last month. It is a noteworthy record as it only took less than 10 days to set a record.
Since its debut in 1990, the Clio has been a monumental model for Renault. The hatchback has sold more than 14 million units throughout the world. In the European market, the Clio has been a leader in the segment in sales volume for more than a decade.
The Clio is a good example of Renault Samsung's two track strategy. Instead of assembling it in its local plant, the company decided to import it. The Clio is assembled in Turkey and shipped to Korea.
The Company decided to use Renault's signature diamond-shape emblem as the Renault brand is becoming familiar with young consumers, especially in their 20s and 30s.
Renault Samsung has been using the strategy starting from the QM3 SUV as it decided to import the SUV from Spain in 2013.
Industry watchers said the success of the Renault Clio will allow the company to implement stronger two track strategies. While Renault Samsung has focused on selling cars produced here, the company is expected to import more models to tap into market demand.
Though the Clio is an imported model, Korean owners are still able to use Renault Samsung's service networks. The company has about 230 show rooms and has been networking with more than 470 auto shops throughout the country.
Renault Samsung aims to sell 1,000 Clios on a monthly basis. The car has a price tag of 20 million to 23 million won ($17,780 to $20,447).