Hyundai Motor Launches Entry SUV Casper... Easy Online Purchase Available

Programs like 'Casper Cares' to Reduce Purchase and Operation Burdens Also Established

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Hyundai Motor Company has officially launched sales of the entry-level sport utility vehicle (SUV), Casper. Casper is the first model in Korea that allows customers to easily complete the entire process from contract to vehicle delivery entirely online.

On the morning of the 29th, Hyundai Motor held an online launch event called 'CASPER Premiere' and announced the official start of Casper sales. Through the real-time interactive live web channel Casper Premiere, Hyundai provided an easy-to-understand online purchasing process and released videos featuring a virtual Gen Z character explaining the vehicle in the metaverse.

Woo Won-ha, Vice President of Hyundai Motor’s Domestic Business Division, stated, "Since Casper adopts a direct-to-customer (D2C) sales method, we developed all programs and systems centered on the customer to help them easily understand product information and online purchasing methods. We will also provide the optimal experience and service from vehicle exploration to purchase so customers can experience Casper’s differentiated product value in a new way."

Accordingly, Hyundai Motor implemented a service through the dedicated website 'Casper Online' that allows customers to easily and quickly explore information and complete vehicle purchases in a one-stop manner without restrictions of time and place.

The contract process also focuses on customer convenience. Electronic signatures are possible using KakaoTalk and joint certificates during the contract, and customers can directly cancel or change contracts via the webpage after signing. At payment, customers can choose the purchase method according to their financial situation, supporting complex payments as well as financial one-stop services such as digital installment limit inquiry and approval services, and an installment simulator. Additionally, a Casper-exclusive card issuance linkage service is provided, enabling immediate vehicle payment upon issuance, with various benefits such as interest-free installments, points, or cashback when paying with the exclusive card.

After completing vehicle payment on Casper Online, customers receive an estimated delivery date and can check the delivery status after the vehicle is shipped. Vehicles can be picked up at over 200 designated Blue Hands and accessory installation franchise stores nationwide, either at a location specified by the customer or an official delivery center. Furthermore, customers can choose e-registration services for online registration processing or paid registration agency services for those who find direct registration difficult.

Casper is Hyundai Motor’s first entry-level SUV, featuring distinctive interior and exterior designs and colors, seats with adjustable interior space according to usage, advanced driver assistance systems, safety, and driver-centered convenience features. The exterior emphasizes dynamism based on a confident and solid look, while the interior shares capsule-shaped design elements with the exterior but uses curves throughout to create a soft and comfortable atmosphere contrasting with the exterior.

Notably, Hyundai Motor applied the world’s first full-folding driver’s seat that folds completely forward, maximizing interior space utilization. Casper’s seats in both the first and second rows have folding, sliding, and reclining functions. This allows for versatile space usage tailored to personal preferences, including loading various sizes of items, car camping, leisure, and outdoor activities.

Casper also comes standard with intelligent safety technologies across all trims, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), and Front Vehicle Departure Alert, marking the first time these features are standard in a compact model to ensure safety and convenience. Additionally, seven airbags including front seat center side airbags are standard, and a high-strength lightweight body structure is secured, providing safety beyond its class. Casper is also equipped with Hyundai CarPay and server-based voice recognition vehicle control features.

The base Casper model is equipped with a 1.0 MPI engine delivering a maximum output of 76 horsepower, maximum torque of 9.7 kg·f·m, and combined fuel efficiency of 14.3 km/l. The optional Casper Active features a 1.0 turbo engine and dynamic exterior design, offering a maximum output of 100 horsepower, maximum torque of 17.5 kg·f·m, and combined fuel efficiency of 12.8 km/l. The selling prices for the base model are 13.85 million KRW for the Smart trim, 15.9 million KRW for the Modern trim, and 18.7 million KRW for the Inspiration trim.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor operates a special care program for Casper buyers called 'CASPER CARES' to reduce customers’ purchase and operation burdens. To minimize financial burden, the program offers a 'CASPER Specialized Installment' plan with 120-month repayment and daily payments in the 3,000 KRW range, a Casper-exclusive card with enhanced benefits for new car purchases, and a used car residual value care service.

Furthermore, to minimize vehicle operation burdens, the program provides vehicle accident care that exchanges the vehicle for a new one if an accident occurs within one year, selectable quality warranty care based on driving patterns, and free body care services for customers using the driving experience matching platform, offering differentiated benefits throughout the vehicle purchase and usage process. Reporter Yu Je-hoon kalamal@