Frankfurt Auto Show : South Korean Perspective
Frankfurt Motor Show Features All Concept Cars Imaginable
FRANKFURT, Germany; September 14, 2003: Bae Keun-min writing for the Korea Times gave his viewpoint of the Frankfurt Motor Show. Korean car-makers are parading their latest models and new concept cars at the 60th international motor show here.
``The Fascination of the Car," theme of the 60th Internationale Automobil-Austellung (IAA), has proved a big hit with audiences as 500 auto manufacturers, including Hyundai, Kia and GM Daewoo, have been displaying 2,000 vehicles, including 125 new models and concept cars.
In addition, 500 auto parts companies, are participating in the IAA, also known as the Frankfurt Motor Show, which runs until Sept.21.
The show provides the perfect venue to take in the current and future trends of automobiles, from the rise of practical compact cars and the war of the open tops to variety of concept vehicles equipped with futuristic technologies.
The three Korean automakers, Hyundai, Kia and GM Daewoo, are showcasing their own interpretations of the trends at the fair, one of the four largest gatherings in the auto industry.
GM Daewoo Auto & Technology unveiled a 4300 mm hatchback, created by Italian designer Giugiaro.
GM Daewoo's Lacetti hatchback, available with three four-cylinder engines (1.4, 1.6 and 1.8-liters) with 92, 109 and 122 hp respectively, is receiving attention from audiences with its stylish almond-shaped headlights and confident new grill design with the brand logo integrated into a horizontal chrome strip.
The hatchback will go on sale March next year in Europe.
Kia Motors is also exhibiting its new car developed under the global notion of ``small but practically efficient,¡¯¡¯ while adding some sporty looks and commanding performance with class.
Kia, Korea's second largest automaker, unveiled its subcompact model, the SA or the Picanto, with which Kia aims to allure the young Europeans from March next year. Some 150,000 Picantos will be produced a year, of which 60,000 will go to Europe.
The model is expected to fill the gap in Kia's range as a competitive entry-level vehicle. The five-door vehicle with 1.0-liter or 1.1-liter engine, is available in four or five-seat versions.
Hyundai Motor, the largest auto manufacturer in South Korea, focuses more on boosting its image as a sophisticated vehicle manufacturer with the introduction of its sporty convertible coupe, in an attempt to rid itself of the tag that it produces cheap and standardized vehicles.
The Hyundai CCS (coupe, convertible, slide), developed in cooperation with the German coach-maker Karmann, a specialist for retractable hardtops, has the latest third-generation retractable roof technology.
Although the CCS is on show in concept form at the motor show, commercial models will role off the production line in the very near future. Around 35,000 to 40,000 units will be built a year.
Kia is also introducing a small coupe convertible KCV-III in concept form. KCV-III, aimed at customers aged between 20 and 30, is intended as a multi-purpose vehicle exemplifying Kia¡¯s best-of-breed technologies in safety and convenience.
The coupe is expected to be included in the 17 new cars due to arrive on the European market by 2007, according to Kia.
GM Daewoo differentiates itself in the concept car show from other Korean automakers with a multi-purpose concept van, UniVerse. The van, with its innovative 3.0 liter common-rail diesel engine, can be easily configured for sleeping, camping, working (as a mobile office) or for transporting large loads. Two sliding doors allow easy access to the interior of the mid-size van.
The UniVerse's long wheelbase and modern ``monocab" design offer good utilization of space, while its interior is filled with the latest in infotainment technology providing telematics services and high-quality entertainment.
The three Korean firms have launched an aggressive marketing strategy for the European as well as global market with diverse lines of new products introduced at the motor show.
Along with the introduction of new products, including convertibles, Hyundai Motor and its brother company Kia Motors are beefing up their European marketing as they opened a European technical center just down the road from the motor show in Russelsheim on Sept. 8.
GM Daewoo hopes for a synergy effect through integrated marketing and distribution strategies to improve GM Daewoo¡¯s brand image using GM family companies such as Opal, Buick, Suzuki and Chevrolet.