CEO Kim says May show will focus on low-emission vehicles


The Busan Exhibition & Convention Center is striving to upgrade the Busan Motor Show through this year’s event, which may be the largest ever.

The Busan International Motor Show 2012 is projected to mark “58 percent growth” compared to the previous event in 2010, BEXCO president & CEO Kim Soo-ik told a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday.

The auto show ― which will emphasize low-emission vehicles ― will be held for 11 days from May 24 to June 3 at the BEXCO in Haeundae.

“Though our motor show falls far behind that of advanced countries, we are pinning great hopes on the growth pace of the past decade,” Kim said.

He said 22 automakers, including 14 import brands, will attend the 2012 event.

“About 170 vehicles will be showcased while the number stayed at 109 two years ago.”

Hybrid and electric-powered cars will also be exhibited.

“Nine concept vehicles like Hyundai Motor’s Ionic, which feature the eco-friendly sector, will be unveiled during the event,” he said.

The 14 import brands registered for participation are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Nissan, Infiniti, Mini, Cadillac, Toyota, Lexus, Ford, Lincoln and Maserati.

The other exhibitors are Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, GM Korea, Renault Samsung Motors and Ssangyong Motor.

Many auto parts suppliers are also to participate in the auto show, according to the organizing committee.

“Our biennial Busan International Motor Show has played a significant role in fueling the development of the domestic automobile industry and contributed greatly in building a competitive global reputation,” Busan Mayor Hur Nam-sik said on the event’s homepage.

Since its commencement in 2001, Busan International Motor Show has grown tremendously for the past decade and our achievements were only made possible through your passionate interest and support, he said.

“Now, for a new decade ahead, 2012 Busan International Motor Show is preparing an ambitious voyage full of new challenges.”

Like the shows theme of “Voyage of the Green Car Across the Pacific,” a number of eco-friendly vehicles and futuristic concept cars are expected to draw interest from spectators.

Nissan is moving to introduce its first diesel model, the Infiniti FXd, to Korea for the first time in Asian markets. It may be unveiled during the Busan event.

Hanbul Motors Corp., the official importer and distributor for France-based PSA Peugeot-Citroen, plans to launch the diesel-electric hybrid version of its 3008 crossover hatchback, the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4.

BMW Group, which launched the first diesel version of the MINI to the local market early this month, is considering introducing two diesel models for the new BMW 3 Series.

By Kim Yon-se (kys@heraldcorp.com)