Green cars receive attention in Busan International Motor Show

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

National

Tue, October 3, 2023 | 07:25

Green cars receive attention in Busan International Motor Show

Posted : 2016-06-02 17:03

Updated : 2016-06-02 17:55

Renault Samsung introduces its new QM6 SUV during a media day at the 2016 Busan International Motor Show at BEXCO in Haeundae, Thursday. / Courtesy of Renault Samsung

By Jhoo Dong-chan

Exhibiting automakers at this year's Busan International Motor Show had one thing in common amid growing concerns over carbon emissions ― eco-friendly vehicles.

During the event's media day on Thursday, the first day of the biennial auto show that continues until June 12 at BEXCO in Haeundae, Busan, most of the 25 participating domestic and international automakers made their utmost efforts to present their eco-friendly models or future plans to add them to their lineups.

Hyundai Motor introduced its new electric vehicle (EV), the Ioniq Electric, capable of traveling a maximum of 191 kilometers on a fully charged battery.

"Korea's auto market has become more competitive than ever due to rapidly advancing technologies and diversified consumer tastes," said Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Yang Woong-chul during a media presentation. "Hyundai Motor will continue its efforts in technology innovation to satisfy a wide range of consumers' needs."

Hyundai Motor also introduced a new performance-based lineup, The N line, along with the new i20 WRC rally car and two concept cars, the RM16 and N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo.

Hyundai Motor's luxury division, the Genesis brand, introduced its G80 sedan and G80 Sport, alongside its future marketing strategy.

"Since its brand launch last year, Genesis has expanded its presence in the global luxury sedan market with the EQ900's successful sales in such a short period," said Manfred Fitzgerald, the brand's directing manager.

"With the brand's differentiated design, Genesis will offer a new standard in the global luxury sedan market."

Hyundai's sister automaker Kia Motors also came up with its first plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), the K5 PHEV, which an official said has a range of 44 kilometers on one full battery charge.

Along with the K5 PHEV, Kia introduced a futuristic concept design of its premium SUV, the Telluride, and the exterior of the new K7 HEV model.

Another domestic automaker, Renault Samsung, introduced the new premium QM6 SUV during the event, boasting its slick design with a C-shape DRL lighting signature.

Renault Samsung CEO Park Dong-hoon said, "The company's new QM6 offers a new type of SUV premium with sizable interior and luxury sentiment, the best choice for a family SUV."

U.S.-based General Motors' affiliate Chevrolet held its own premier night event a day before the motor show at the Busan Cinema Center, boasting its differentiated technology innovation with its second-generation Volt PHEV and the American muscle car Camaro SS.

The Volt PHEV mounts a 18.4-kWh mass battery and two electric motors applied with the Range Extender Voltec system that can travel a maximum 676 kilometers on a full charge. With regular charging, owners can be expected to travel more than 1,600 km on average between visits to the gas station.

"The all-new Volt is a truly innovative product for today that offers an industry-leading range, functionality and value for its segment," said GM Korea President and CEO James Kim. "We expect it to set the new standard for electric vehicles in Korea."

The new-generation muscle car Camaro SS mounts a powerful V8 6.2-liter engine that can produce a maximum of 455 horsepower with a 62.0 kg-m torque. The rear-wheel-run automatic transmission with slick "Bumblebee" design is expected to attract a high number of young motorists in Korea.

jhoo@ktimes.com