Seoul Motor Show to Gain More Global Attention

Seoul May 2, 2005; Na Jeong-ju writing for the Korea Times reported that South Korea will offer financial incentives and various forms of administrative support for auto firms displaying new cars during the Seoul Motor Show in order to develop the biennial event further, organizers said Sunday.

The organizers said the auto show, now underway at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) on the northwestern outskirts of Seoul, has grown into the largest international auto event in South Korea, but needs more work to capture more worldwide attention.

To that end, they will offer various incentives, including a cut in enrollment fees, bigger show rooms and better places for exhibitions, for those who present new cars and new auto technologies.

``Auto firms usually unveil new cars in major auto shows because they can grab more attention from consumers,’’ a Korea Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (KAMA) official said. ``Auto fans can see many new cars and concept cars during the motor shows in Paris, Detroit and Tokyo and that’s why they are more interesting and fun. The Seoul Motor Show should follow in their footsteps.’’

KAMA, which represents Korean auto manufacturers, aims to develop the Seoul Motor Show into one of the top five auto events in the world within a decade. The association will ask the government to improve transportation systems and lodging facilities around KINTEX to cater for foreign visitors.

The Seoul Motor Show is the only auto event in South Korea recognized by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), which oversees major auto shows in the world.

KAMA officials said 179 companies from 10 countries, including auto parts manufacturers and tire makers, took part in this year’s show. On display are a total of 211 vehicles, 22 of which are considered new, including Hyundai Motor’s next-generation Grandeur sedan and GM Daewoo’s Statesman sedan.