samsung

A brief history about samsung: For most people, the name Samsung immediately brings to mind electronics and technology, not automobiles. Yet, few realize that the South Korean giant has also played a notable role in the automotive industry. Although not as prominent as Hyundai, Kia, or SsangYong, Samsung Motors managed to establish itself as a serious player in South Korea’s competitive car market.

The company was founded in 1994, driven by Samsung Group chairman Kun Hee Lee’s vision to expand into the automotive sector. His plan was to leverage the group’s existing strengths in electronics, engineering, and materials to create technologically advanced vehicles. However, it wasn’t until 1998 that Samsung’s first car rolled off the assembly line — just as the Asian financial crisis swept through the region, creating a harsh economic environment for new ventures.

Facing mounting financial pressure, Samsung sought an international partner to secure its automotive operations. After a series of negotiations with multiple interested companies, including Daewoo and Hyundai, it was Renault that ultimately acquired a 70% stake in Samsung Motors in 2000, paying $512 million. This partnership was strategically aligned, as Renault already had close ties to Nissan, which had been providing Samsung with engines, technology, and engineering support.

With Renault’s acquisition, the company was rebranded as Renault Samsung Motors (RSM). Most of its early models were developed using Nissan platforms, benefiting from the Japanese manufacturer’s proven technology. The SM3, for example, was based on the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy, the SM5 shared its underpinnings with the Nissan Cefiro and Maxima, and the SM7 was derived from the Nissan Teana. These vehicles earned a reputation in South Korea for comfort, reliability, and understated design.

While Renault’s direct influence on Samsung’s identity remained limited, the collaboration allowed the French automaker to gain a foothold in the Asian market through an established Korean brand. For Samsung, the partnership ensured survival and modernization in a highly competitive industry dominated by local giants.

Over the years, Renault Samsung Motors diversified its lineup to include sedans, SUVs, and electric vehicles, with exports to select international markets under the Renault name. Despite declining domestic market share in later years, the brand continued to play an important role in Renault’s global strategy.

By 2020, Renault announced plans to gradually phase out the Samsung branding in favor of a unified Renault identity, marking the end of a distinctive era in Korean automotive history. Still, the legacy of Samsung’s brief but impactful entry into car manufacturing remains a fascinating example of how a tech-driven conglomerate extended its innovation into the world of mobility.