[THE INVESTOR] Renault Samsung Motors, the local unit of French carmaker Renault, on Nov. 13 said it has expanded its online sales service, allowing customers to shop and make down payments for its entire range of vehicles online. 

The carmaker’s online platform e-Showroom lets customers browse and configure cars, such as the model, color, trim and other options, and receive an estimate. 

Prospective buyers can pay a deposit online via mobile payment platforms, including Kakao Pay, and have the car delivered to the showroom of their choice. They can then can visit the showroom to sign a contract and make the full payment. 

“Renault Samsung Motors’ e-Showroom is an advanced e-commerce system implemented in the (local) industry for the first time, allowing customers to choose and make down payments easily online,” said Bang Sil, marketing director of Renault Samsung, in a statement. 

The carmaker launched its e-Showroom last September, but limited it to only QM6 SUV. With the upgraded version, customers can shop for all models, including its popular sedan SM6.

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