This Seoul Motor Show 2007 is an important milestone in the history of the Korean automobile industry. Several new developments in technology, the maturity of the industry, and competitive offerings in the market mark a new and better chapter for cars on the peninsula.
Hybridization
Cars with alternative fuels are one highlight of the show. Fullyfunctional, mass-produced, and immediately available biodiesel, electric, and hydrogen-powered cars are being exhibited by a number of different domestic and foreign makers. The Saab 9-5 BioPower can burn pure ethanol, pure gasoline, or a mixture of anything in between. The car is immensely popular in Sweden already and is now available in the Korean market.
A number of different electric vehicles are currently available from Leozone, including the LEO SGK, S-15, and EV3. Even though the Korean-based company is only one year old, they have already developed working models and have lined up several buyers for their substantial lineup of products.
The hydrogen and gasoline powered Hydrogen 7 by BMW is also on exhibition at this Seoul Motor Show. Dirk Karbun, international direct sales manager for BMW Group, said that the car is ready for commercial production and can switch between hydrogen and gasoline with the press of a button, even while the car is in operation. The transition is seamless, and shows the level of technology that is available for alternative fuel consumption in today's cars, rather than cars of 20 years from now.
They're there This Seoul Motor Show 2007 is an important milestone for Korean automobile manufacturers. This marks a point of maturity and growth for the domestic automobile industry in which their offerings have become more than a match for foreign companies' products.
Wayne Draper of the company F-11, a car designer with a 20 year history at Ford Motor Company, said: "They're there. Korean car makers used to be one generation behind in design but they've studied the process and are now coming up with their own ideas. And it's good." Mr. Draper went on to say that he's happy to see cars that are not just vehicles but also look like they were designed by people with a soul.
It is no wonder that a 20 year automotive design veteran would be impressed. This year's cars are impressive indeed. The concept designs alone by companies such as Hyundai and Renault-Samsung can raise the eyebrows and engage the interest of even the most jaded visitor to the Show. The Korean auto industry has entered a new age.
Sweet action
It is not just the domestic auto industry which has risen to a new level, but the automobile market as a whole. More foreign offerings than ever before are on display at the show and available for Korean consumers. When coupled together with the new and stylish domestic offerings, the Korean automobile market is looking better than ever. Jeffrey Eggen, regional manager for Ford Asia Pacific, said that the Korean market is becoming more diverse, which gives more options and more power to the consumers in Korea.
So in the near future expect to see a greater variety of cars on the Korean highways. These diverse cars will most likely be much more environmentally friendly, cutting down emissions and smog by a significant factor. They will also be more stylish and modern, with the sleek designs of mature industry leaders. All in all, the future of Korean roads is looking to be better than ever.
