Seoul Motor Show set to grab car lovers’ attention

From flashy Ferraris to a futuristic SUV concept car by Ssangyong Motor, nearly everything car related will be on display at the 2015 Seoul Motor Show to be held April 3-12 at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province.

Under the theme of “Experience the technology, feel the artistry,” a total of 32 carmakers, four motorbike manufacturers, 131 auto parts-makers and 18 tuning-parts-makers will be showing off the best they have to offer in Korea, one of the most strategically important test-beds in the car industry.

Among the exhibits, seven are world premieres, nine are being introduced for the first time in Asia and 41 are getting their first presentations in Korea. 


First-timers

Hyundai’s ENDURO (HND-12) and the All New Mighty as well as Kia’s K5 facelift model and KND-9 will be presented for the first time to the world at the show. GM Korea and Ssangyong will also present the next generation Chevrolet Spark and XAV, respectively.

The rookie among the domestic brands will be Power Plaza’s roadster version of the electric car Yebbujana. The Yebbujana was first introduced in 2013 at the Seoul Motor Show.

Renault Samsung, Citroen, Peugeot, Volkswagen and two as yet unveiled brands will also showcase their models for the first time in Asia at the show. Among the anticipated cars is Volkswagen’s “ultimate Golf,” the Design Vision GTI Concept car. 

Green cars

Making the most of the current “environmentally-friendly” trend, more than 40 “green cars” will be presented. Hyundai will introduce the fuel cell electric Tucson.

From Ssangyong’s Tivoli EVR to Porsche Cayenne S e-hybrid, electric vehicles with different target customers will flaunt their styles and functions. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles from global powerhouses such as Audi e-tron, Toyota PRIUS Plug-in Smart Hybrid and others are expected to grab attention.

The revived electric carmaker Detroit Electric will also showcase AX03, AX03 hatchback and SP-01, testing the waters of the Korean market. 

Motorbikes

Japanese motorbike maker Yamaha will showcase its latest N-MAX and YZF-R1M at its independent booth. Motor parts maker Mando will bring its Footloose electric bicycle, targeting commuters interested in transportation options that consume less energy. Local brand Samchuly is bringing the hybrid bike Justin as well as a tricycle, the Modi.

Events

Hyundai Motor will hold a “Tucson Design Forum” on April 11, inviting 200 professional and amateur design enthusiasts to learn about the carmaker’s design philosophy.

The “Car is Art” conference will be held April 7-8 at the Grand Ballroom to discuss cars from an artist’s perspective. The motor show organizers are also planning programs to attract visitors and their children.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)