[THE INVESTOR]  Renault Samsung Motors plans to export its new sport utility vehicle QM6 to 80 countries, beginning with nations in South America and Australia this year.

The car, sold as Koleos outside Korea, will hit the South American countries, including Mexico, Colombia and Chile, and Australia by end of this year. Next year, it will make inroads into European countries. 

“SUV sales are increasing in the global market,” a Renault Samsung official said. “The QM6, equipped with excellent performance and refined design, will be a success in overseas markets.”

The new vehicle will officially go on sale in Korea on Sept. 1. According to the automaker, more than 2,000 units were ordered on Aug. 22, the first day when the preorders began.

The QM6, which was developed by the French Renault Group and its Korean affiliate, will be produced in its Busan plant, unlike its smaller SUV QM3, which is shipped from Spain.

Renault-Nissan Alliance, the Franco-Japanese automotive strategic partnership, will be in charge of the exports.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)