Renault Samsung chief expects S. Korean R&D center to play bigger role

YONGIN, South Korea, May 15 (Yonhap) -- The chief of Renault Samsung Motors Corp., the South Korean unit of Renault SA of France, said Wednesday that he expects the company's R&D center to play a bigger role under Renault's enlarged regional headquarters.

Dominique Signora said Renault Technology Korea, the R&D center for Renault Samsung, will play a key role in the French automotive group, with expanded opportunities now that South Korea has become a part of the group's Africa-Middle East-India-Pacific (AMI-Pacific) Region.

Renault last month regrouped its regional headquarters, classifying South Korea, Japan, Australia and ASEAN countries as members of the AMI-Pacific Region. The bloc covers more than 100 countries with half of the global population.

Signora said the latest move from the group offers Renault Samsung a better opportunity in exports and to take steps for sustainable growth.

He added that Fabrice Cambolive, the chairman of the AMI-Pacific region who visited South Korea last week, recognized Renault Samsung as having great potential for success.

Kwon Sang-soon, who heads Renault Technology Korea, said the R&D center is responsible for developing Renault's compact sedans and sport utility vehicles, as well as new models for the Asia region. He said the research facility is currently inspecting the XM3 compact SUV that will be sold next year and studying projects for the liquid petroleum gas-fueled QM6 SUV.

Kwon added that Renault is reviewing whether it should bring the super mini electric vehicle Zoe to the South Korean market next year.

kdon@yna.co.kr
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