By Lee Ji-eun
Protocol vehicles for the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit will be sold to the public after the event, and hot competition is expected as inquiries from customers are rushing in already.
Hyundai Motor Group and BMW Korea announced on March 11 that customers could buy the used cars for the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit at a “sensible” price.
Hyundai, Korea's biggest automaker, allotted 105 of its luxury vehicles, including 69 Equus limousine (VL500 Prestige, VL380 Prestige) and 36 Equus sedan to be used at the upcoming global summit. The company is going to sell them as they did after the Group of 20 Summit.
Hyundai offered the official vehicles for the G20 held in the capital city in 2010 and sold them to public after the meeting. More than 1,000 people applied to buy and only one in 16 could gain a car.
“We will give buyers certificates made of crystal to add to its value and to make them proud,” said a Hyundai official.
Meanwhile, BMW Group Korea also said it will sell BMW 7 series limousines, 740Li. A limited edition emblem will be attached to the back of the car to emphasize its specialty, and its special bullet-proof glass guarantees more safety, according to the company. The vehicles will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis at lower price than new ones.
“The offered vehicles are in high demand as they are representative luxury cars of the brands and have premium that they were used by a head of state” an official said.