Renault Samsung's LPG-powered car has made its way to the masses

Renault Samsung Motors sold nearly 60,000 units of the liquified petroleum gas (LPG)-powered QM6 LPe SUV since its launch two years ago, increasingly catering to individual customers, the carmaker said.

Renault Samsung Motor's QM6 LPe SUV [RENAULT SAMSUNG MOTORS]

Renault Samsung Motors sold nearly 60,000 units of the liquified petroleum gas (LPG)-powered QM6 LPe SUV since its launch two years ago, increasingly catering to individual customers, the carmaker said.

Sales of LPG-powered vehicles were only allowed for taxis, rental cars and disabled people in Korea until 2019 when the government lifted the ban.

The QM6 LPe, made at the carmaker's Busan factory, was one of the first LPG-powered models to launch for individual drivers after the ban was lifted.

Renault Samsung is still the only SUV model in the country powered by LPG.

As of June this year, the QM6 LPe sold a total of 59,334 units since its launch in June 2019.

“Customers’ interest in LPG vehicles has increased recently amid high oil prices and an increased awareness of the environment,” said Kim Tae-jun, head of marketing team at Renault Samsung Motors.

“In addition to being cost effective and eco-friendly, the QM6 LPe is up to standard in terms of safety, performance and design. The model will continue to maintain its top position in Korea’s LPG car market.”

One shortcoming of LPG-powered vehicles was their limited trunk space due to the LPG tank placed inside the trunk, but such a feature wasn't a big deal in the past because most of these cars were used as taxis.

For individual customers, however, the QM6 LPe's tank is located underneath the trunk space with its patented technology which firmly fixes the LPG tank in its place and also separates the tank from the vehicle in the case of a rear collision, for safety reasons.

Due to this feature, the QM6 LPe's trunk has a capacity of 562 liters, a similar figure to that of the same model powered by a diesel or petrol engine, and 1,576 liters when the back row of seats are stowed.

The model has a maximum horsepower of 140 and torque of 19.7 kilogram-meters.

Its price starts from 24.3 million won ($21,200).

BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]