Neither of the French manufacturers has yet entered the SUV fray, but Renault is to use its Renault Samsung Motors subsidiary to make up for lost time.

French business daily Les Echos reports that Renault Samsung, which is developing a 4x4 for the growing South Korean market, is also to export the vehicle to Renault's European markets. There is no word as to how it will compare to Renault partner Nissan's X-Trail. The two-model Renault Samsung plant is currently working way below capacity, having reportedly built 117,600 cars, leaving unused capacity of up to 240,000 units.