Renault Samsung may expand S. Korea capacity

Renault Samsung Motors Corp., the South Korean unit of Renault S.A., may expand its production capacity in Busan if demand for its cars continues to rise, Renault Samsung Chief Executive Jean-Marie Hurtiger said. Hurtiger did not elaborate on an investment plan for additional capacity in a press conference held to celebrate the upcoming launch of the New SM5 sedan. The plant, which has an annual capacity of 300,000 units, currently produces about 200,000 units a year. Renault Samsung will begin sales of the new 2.0-liter gasoline engine sedan, while expecting pre-contracts to reach 15,000 units even before its debut in the mid-size sedan market. The new sedan has a price tag of between KRW20.8 million (US$18,514.91) and KRW26.5 million (US$23,588.70) in South Korea. (January 10, 2010)