Local carmakers to launch new models

By Jhoo Dong-chan

Domestic carmakers have vowed to dominate the nation’s auto market this year by introducing new models, but are expected to face an uphill battle since foreign car importers are also set to being in more models.

German auto giant Volkswagen and its sister automaker Audi, which had been banned from selling 80 of their models here, will also join the battle.

Hyundai Motor said it will first introduce the second-generation Veloster hatchback at the Detroit International Motor Show this month, challenging global hatchback powerhouses Volkswagen and Mini.

For the domestic market, the new Veloster with two engine options _ a 1.4-liter Kappa gasoline turbo and 1.6-liter Gamma gasoline turbo _ has a seven-speed dual clutch transmission as standard. A manual transmission will also be offered for the Gamma engine.

The nation’s largest carmaker will also introduce the much anticipated new version of the Santa Fe this year, the first SUV from Hyundai Motor, which has sold over 1 million of the model.

The fourth-generation Santa Fe SUV will be different from what it was six years ago, and Hyundai Motor says it will be a decisive factor in domestic sales.

Kia Motors will also introduce new versions of the popular K3 and flagship K9 sedan in the first half of this year. The Niro electric will also be unveiled later.

The nation’s smallest carmaker Ssangyong Motor unveiled the 2018 Korando Wednesday, and will introduce the Q200 premium pickup next week. The Ssangyong Q200 pickup has been developed based on the G4 Rexton SUV.

GM Korea said it will import and introduce the popular Equinox SUV in the first half of the year, aiming at a sales rebound. About 200,000 Chevrolet Equinox SUVs have been sold every year in the U.S. market since its introduction. The price is expected to be less than 30 million won.

Renault Samsung will start selling the popular Clio hatchback on the domestic market this year. More than 13 million Clio’s have been sold globally and Renault Samsung believes the model will attract the nation’s young motorists.

Foreign auto manufacturers will unveil more new models this year while German Volkswagen and Audi will rejoin the race in the Korean car market.

BMW Korea said it will introduce a total of 14 new models here to retake the nation’s top foreign import position against its long-time rival Mercedes-Benz. The BMW X2 SUV will be unveiled here in the first half of the year.

New versions of the X4 and X5 will be introduced in the second half of the year while BMW will start selling new Mini JCW models.

Mercedes-Benz Korea said it will introduce the E-Class Cabriolet in the first quarter, the CLS four-door coupe and the face-lifted C-Class in the second half.

Volkswagen and Audi Korea, which have had practically no sales for about a year, will unveil three models here this year, aiming at a grand comeback.

Volkswagen Korea will start receiving preorders for the Tiguan, Arteon and Passat GT sedan by March.

Audi Korea also joins the race by introducing its popular sedan duo A4 and A6. The Audi Q7 SUV will also be introduced this year.