The Seoul Motor Show will kick off with a media preview on Thursday for an 11-day run at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The biennial event is the only Korean auto show recognized by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), or the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.

Marking its eighth exhibition since the first show in 1995, this year’s event will be the largest so far, with 139 companies from eight countries participating and more than one million visitors expected to stop by.

Eco-Friendly Autos

“Green” will be a major catchword at this year’s show as automakers show off their latest eco-friendly technologies. Some 32 models will be displayed with innovative green technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells, high-efficiency diesel engines, full-electric cars and hybrids.

Mercedes-Benz will debut its B-class F-CELL, the automaker’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, while BMW will unveil the 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon which boasts the lowest emissions in its class. Volkswagen plans to focus on its BlueMotion brand which was launched here this year. These models feature an Idle Stop & Go system, which reduces fuel consumption by automatically switching the engine off when the car stops in traffic and instantly restarting it as soon as the driver is ready to move again. Volkswagen also is likely to draw attention by unveiling the new Zeta, Tuareg and Sirocco R for the first time here.

Lexus will present its entire lineup of hybrid models, from the recently released CT 200h compact to the LS600hL full-size luxury sedan. Nissan¡¯s Leaf electric car will make its Korean debut with battery recharging facilities to enhance visitors¡¯ understanding of the car. Honda will display its CR-Z sport hybrid.

Concept Cars

The show will also feature 23 concept cars offering a glimpse into the future of the auto industry, including Hyundai’s HND-6, a mid-sized hydrogen fuel cell-electric vehicle, and the Kia KND-6 electric compact.

GM Korea will showcase its Miray concept car built based on the Chevrolet Spark compact, while Renault Samsung and Daewoo Bus will show successors to the SM7 sedan and BC211M, respectively. Ssangyong’s SUT 1 and the Audi e-tron concept will also be unveiled.

Toyota will present a variety of concept cars at the show including the FT EV electric car and the FC HV, a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, while Subaru will unveil its Hybrid Tourer concept, which is powered by two electric motors and a turbo gasoline engine.

A variety of other new cars including the Chrysler 300 C and all-new Ford Explorer, which are to be rolled out in Korea soon, will be also exhibited.

englishnews@chosun.com / Mar. 29, 2011 07:26 KST (The Chosun Ilbo)

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