Mercedes-Benz Korea has unveiled the 2014 version of its premium SUV, the M-Class, the company said Thursday. An upgraded command controller, a digital TV tuner and an entertainment system for the rear backseat are among the car’s upgraded features.In particular, a custom-made navigation system for Korean consumers has been fitted to offer a realistic 3-D map that can search for both old and current addresses. The map supports Hangeul and up to 40,000 Korean words can be searched. Also, for the

NAMHAE, South Gyeongsang Province ― During a media meeting wrapping up this year on Thursday, BMW Korea CEO Kim Hyo-joon spared his words on what the company has achieved this year, including another possible sales record of about 33,000 vehicles. But he did not hide his high expectations for next year. Among other things, the long-anticipated i3 electric car will hit the Korean market in May, while a new BMW driving center ― the first outside of Germany and the U.S. ― will open in Yeongjongdo I

Ssangyong Motor on Friday debuted the facelift version of the Actyon sport utility vehicle overseas, putting a greater strategic emphasis on the emerging Central Asian and Eastern European markets. The new Actyon, which boasts a more aggressive and sportier styling, is equipped with a more environment-friendly powertrain that meets the Euro 5 emission limits, according to the Korean carmaker owned by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra. Adding to its existing 150 horsepower gasoline engine, the new Acty

It was not love at first sight, but after a four-day test drive, I had to admit that the Juke had a host of odd charms. The Juke, by Nissan, made its Korean debut in early October. The car has already made a strong statement here, with its funky looks garnering it nicknames including “jumping spider” and “horned lizard.” This is mainly due to the Juke’s bug-eyed front features and swollen front fender matched with a high waist, tapered side windows and a steeply descending roofline. Accordingly,

Renault Samsung Motors is aiming to sell up to 4,000 of its first full-electric car, the SM3 Z.E., next year.“I am convinced it would be a game changer in the (electric car) sector in the future,” said Gilles Normand, head of Renault’s Asia-Pacific operations at a press conference held Friday to mark the official launch of the compact electric vehicle. Normand stressed he was certain the car would find success in Korea as Korean customers care about the environment and innovative technology, and

Sixth generation model exceeds expectations

Korean importer of Brabus and other German premium brands aims to offer ultimate exclusiveness

The wraps have come off Hyundai Motor’s latest flagship sedan. On Thursday, the media was offered a sneak peak into the next generation Genesis that the country’s largest carmaker has been developing for years in a bid to outperform global premium brands such as the BMW and Mercedes-Benz.“The new Genesis is the first car that reflects our new brand identity of ‘modern premium’ and product identity of ‘caring,’” said executive vice president Hwang Jeong-ryeol who overlooked the project. “The new

To celebrate its fourth year in Korea this month, Toyota Motor Korea said it would hold a Home Coming Day event between Oct. 19 to 27 to offer gifts and test-drive opportunities to customers visiting Toyota showrooms.The company said that this year was particularly meaningful as Toyota was the fastest among imported carmakers to sell more than 30,000 cars since the data was first compiled in 2003. As of September, Toyota sold 30,490 vehicles here to surpass the 30,000 mark for the first time sin

Simply put, Hyundai’s Maxcruz is a practical and well-performing diesel engine that promises to be a truly versatile SUV. That sounds much like an ad, but the Maxcruz deserves the praise, particularly for its exceptionally easy driving experience that combines smooth cornering with an adequately powerful engine. For me, the most surprising aspect was that despite its length ― the Maxcruz looks like a stretch-limo version of the Santa Fe and is about 20 cm longer ― the car was so easy to maneuver

GM Korea on Thursday was awarded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for its efforts to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.The ministry, which adopted a CO2 emissions management system in 2010, evaluated related gas-reduction efforts at individual workplaces over the past three years. The Korean unit of the U.S.-based General Motors was the only carmaker that was honored with the award. “GM Korea is one of our global operations that have successfully carried out GM’s environme