Korean automakers will showcase mainly eco-friendly, hybrid and compact vehicles during the Beijing motor show that kicked off Monday, in an effort to capture greater market share in China.

Hyundai Motor, the nation’s top carmaker, has unveiled concept car Verna and hybrid vehicle Ioniq at the Beijing International Automobile Exhibition. 

“Verna is a representative model in China’s compact vehicle market with more than 1 million unit sales since its launch in 2010,” Hyundai Motor said in its statement, adding, “The company plans to produce the concept car at its plant in China’s Cangzhou in the second half of this year.”

Kia Motors also unveiled its new hybrid car Niro to go on sale later this year in China, alongside its new K3 Turbo sedan.

The company said it plans to position itself as an eco-friendly carmaker in the Chinese market, which it said is has very strict environmental regulations.

Ssangyong Motor, the Korean unit of Indian auto giant Mahindra & Mahindra, has displayed its small sport utility vehicle Tivoli Air, called the XLV in China, which is set to go on sale from June in China.

“We hope to raise the company’s brand profile through the launch of Tivoli in the Chinese compact SUV market.”

Among the Korean automakers, Ssangyong Motor CEO Choi Johng-sik and Renault Samsung’s new head Park Dong-hoon are in Beijing to attend the annual auto show.

By Shin Ji-hye (shinjh@heraldcorp.com)