Major South Korean carmakers are taking part in a Shanghai motor show this week with the aim of appealing to consumers with new car models and technology as they hope to strengthen their foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Carmakers including Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Motors Corp. and Ssangyong Motor will join Auto Shanghai 2015 to be held from Wednesday until April 29 and showcase their latest products, many of which were created to target local consumers in terms of design and function.
Hyundai Motor, the country’s largest carmaker, will showcase 24 cars including the Genesis, Equus, ix25, ix35 and Santa Fe.
Ahead of the official start of the motor show, Hyundai took the wraps off its all-new Tucson — a model adjusted to meet the taste of the Chinese market — for the first time during a press day here on Monday.
A mesh-type front grille along with a wide rear appearance highlights a “bold” and “refined” impression. Its head and tail lamps are designed with a futuristic image and high-quality aluminum material was also adapted for its side mirrors.
Hyundai Motor said the all-new Tucson comes in two editions, one with a 2.0 GDI engine and the other with a 1.6 turbo GDI engine, adding that it will focus its marketing on the model’s enhanced safety and convenience features.
The carmaker plans to produce and sell the all-new Tucson in China from the second half, a move aimed at strengthening its SUV lineup and expanding its market presence in the SUV market in China.
Kia Motors, South Korea’s second-largest carmaker and an affiliate of Hyundai Motor, will showcase 27 vehicles in the show, including the latest versions of the K5 mid-size and the K9 full-size sedans.
“What is unique about the K5 is that you can see a refined and active image added to the sporty impression of its previous model,”
a Kia official said. “We expect the K9 will make a splash in China’s full-size sedan market as a premium sedan where Kia’s state-of-the-art technology is concentrated.”
The latest version of the K5 was first unveiled earlier this month at the Seoul Motor Show. Kia plans to sell the K5 mid-size sedan, whose design will be changed for Chinese consumers, in China from the second half.
The Auto Shanghai 2015 will likely to serve as an important opportunity for Ssangyong Motor, a carmaker known for its SUV models, as it eyes the fast-growing SUV market in China.
Ssangyong Motor plans to launch the Tivoli compact SUV in China in June, expecting to repeat its local success in the Chinese market.
The Tivoli, the first vehicle it unveiled since it was purchased by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Group in 2011, was launched in South Korea back in January, appealing to younger and female consumers with its design and relatively cheap price.
Ssangyong Motor expects that the Tivoli will strengthen its SUV lineup in China where it is already selling the Korando C, Rexton W and Actyon.
It aims to sell 15,000 cars in China this year including 5,000 units of the Tivoli, which is more than 20 percent more than last year.
“China’s SUV market, which is growing at a fast clip, is giving us a great opportunity. The launch of the Tivoli along with our flagship models such as the Korando C will pave the way for our future growth,” said Ssangyong Motor CEO Choi Johng-sik. (Yonhap)
