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The Seoul Motor Show 2009 was held at KINTEX in Gyeonggi, Korea for 11 days from April 2nd to 12th, 2009. FOURIN sent a research team to the press day on April 2nd, providing the following report and images.

This year’s motor show was held based on the concept of “Beautiful Technology, Wonderful Design,” with a total of nine world premieres announced by four Korean automakers. Moreover, with rising awareness for the environment, exhibits promoting an ‘Eco’ theme were conspicuous, with much media attention drawn to a wide array of concept models such as fuel efficient vehicles, hybrid cars, fuel-cell vehicles and electric vehicles. Furthermore, a total of 141 suppliers, including Korean companies Hyundai Mobis and Mando, and Bridgestone from Japan, also set up exhibits. On the other hand, the harsh business environment limited participation by overseas automakers to eight brands, with names such as BMW, Chrysler and Nissan’s Infiniti absent from this year’s event.

Hyundai Motor - Korea’s biggest domestic automaker - took the spotlight at this year’s motor show, unveiling the company’s first mass production hybrid model. Scheduled for release in July 2009, the explanation of the Avante LPi Hybrid captured great interest from the media in attendance, particularly with regard to the model’s use of LPG and adoption of lithium-ion polymer batteries. Furthermore, Hyundai Motor simultaneously presented the HND-4 (Blue Will) plug-in hybrid concept model which looks to establish itself as an environmental-friendly brand aiming for long-term growth. Meanwhile, Kia Motors unveiled the Forte Hybrid (scheduled for release in September 2009) as its environmental-friendly brand crowned as “Eco Dynamics,” as well as announcing the Forte KOUP, Soul’Ster, N?3 and VG concept models. GM Daewoo’s participation focused on the successor model for the Matiz which has been enlarged to 1.0L engine displacement, as well as displaying the GM Volt and Fuel Cell Equinox, and Lacetti Premiere. Renault Samsung unveiled the all-new SM3, along with debuting its first in-house developed eMX concept. Ssangyong showed off its C200 concept SUV, in addition to displaying a chassis sporting a diesel hybrid system.

From Japan, Toyota, which looks to enter the Korea market in 2009, presented the Camry Hybrid and two models of the 3rd generation Prius, while Honda, which took top spot in Korea’s imported vehicle market in 2008, announced the Insight. The models provided Korea, which has entered its founding year for hybrid vehicles, a taste of the high levels of technology and fuel efficiency acquired show far. Meanwhile, European and American automakers presented models which will be launched for the first time in Korea, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, Audi Q5 2.0 TDI, Ford Mustang and VW Tiguan R-Line.

April 7, 2009

Korean automakers

Japanese automakers

European and US automakers

Korean parts makers