Korea's 4 Carmakers Compete Head-on in SUV Category G

SEOUL, KOREA - Korea's four major automakers are set to launch new sports utility vehicle models at the same time. This is the first time the four companies compete in the SUV category. For example, Ssangyong Motor has begun taking pre-orders for its new Korando Turismo model, the 11-seater multi-purpose vehicle, from December 25 last year. The official launch of the Korando Turismo will be from February 5.

Not to be outdone, GM Korea has announced that it would commence on pre-order sales of the Trax, the small-sized 1.4-liter gasoline-engine SUV, from January 28. The company said it has moved up the sales launch date by four weeks from original February 25.

Renault Samsung has revealed the exterior design of its new SUV model "Captur" in mid-January. First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, it will arrive in Korea during the second half of the year. Although not imminent for official introduction, the company figures it would be advantageous to familiarize the model to the general public to generate the buzz. For Renault Samsung, the injection of a new SUV model has been an urgent question as it is in possession of only one SUV model, QM5.

Kia Motors will also unveil a new SUV model (code named "RP") as a follow-up model to Carens, the compact MPV. It is expected the RP will compete head-on with Ssangyong's Korando Turismo. A Kia Motors official said, "We have improved the design of the Carens substantially this time to steer clear of the public perception of the model as a freight truck."

Alastair Kim (press@whowired.com)

*Article provided by Whowired

[Reference] : GoNews, 「Issue Today - Korea's 4 Carmakers Compete Head-on in SUV Category」 http://whowired.net/document_srl=142831.

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