Imported Car Association "Introducing More Than 53 BEV Models Over the Next 3 Years... Actively Responding to Eco-Friendly Trends"

Press Conference of the Korea Imported Automobile Association

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Over the next three years, more than 53 imported battery electric vehicle (BEV) models and various eco-friendly car models will be launched in the domestic market.

The Korea Imported Automobile Dealers Association (KAIDA) held a press conference on the morning of the 6th at the Millennium Hilton Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, unveiling five strategic directions: eco-friendliness, communication, transparency, contribution to the domestic automobile industry, and social contribution.

According to KAIDA, the eco-friendly trend is already reflected in the existing imported car purchasing trends. The proportion of eco-friendly cars among annual imported car sales was only 2.5% in 2010 but surged to 18.1% last year. Especially this year, as of April, the share of eco-friendly cars surpassed 30%, with electric vehicles at 1.4%, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) at 7.3%, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) at 21.9%.

KAIDA stated, "This trend has been achieved alongside the increase in electric vehicle models from imported car companies," adding, "Last year, the number of newly registered electric vehicles in the imported car market reached a record high of 3,357 units, and the number of electric vehicle models also increased to 10, accelerating eco-friendliness."

Accordingly, KAIDA member companies will focus on introducing eco-friendly car models over the next three years starting this year. First, more than 46 mild hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) models and over 32 HEV and PHEV models are scheduled to be launched within three years.

More than 53 electric vehicle models, which are the core of electrification, will be introduced. Additionally, according to each brand's plan, 1,700 electric vehicle chargers will be installed, investing in infrastructure development. Furthermore, related services such as charging reservation services and charging applications will also be developed.

Meanwhile, KAIDA, established in 1995, has 27 brands from 20 passenger and commercial vehicle companies as members. Ren? Koneberg, KAIDA Chairman (Chairman of Audi Volkswagen Korea), said, "KAIDA and its members have introduced a wide range of product lineups to the Korean market over the past 26 years and have focused on expanding activities targeting various stakeholders such as the government and consumers," adding, "Going forward, the new board of directors and various working groups within the association will join forces."

Reporter Yu Je-hoon kalamal@