[Seoul Mobility Show] "Fully Autonomous Vehicles to Run in Seoul Next Year" (Comprehensive)

Hyundai to Launch Autonomous Driving Pilot Service in Early Next Year: "Ioniq 5 is the Perfect Autonomous Driving Companion"
Kia Unveils New 'Niro' World Premiere
Imported Electric Vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Others Debut in Korea for the First Time

On the 25th, participants are examining Hyundai Motor's Ioniq 5 autonomous vehicle at the press day of the country's largest automobile exhibition, the '2021 Seoul Mobility Show,' held at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. / Goyang - Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporters Changhwan Lee, Jehun Yoo, Gimin Lee] The '2021 Seoul Mobility Show,' the largest comprehensive automobile exhibition in Korea, kicked off on the 25th with a press day event at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. Marking its 13th edition this year, the Seoul Mobility Show is the only international motor show in Korea officially recognized by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA).

The highlight of this event, renamed from the previous Seoul Motor Show to Seoul Mobility Show to reflect the trends of electrification and autonomous driving, was undoubtedly Hyundai Motor Company's unveiling of the fully autonomous Ioniq 5.

Kia's world-first reveal of the 'New Niro' also attracted attention. Major imported car companies such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi introduced their new electric vehicle models for the first time in Korea.

On the 25th, at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province, Yoo Won-ha, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Company (Head of Domestic Business Division), is giving a briefing at the press day of '2021 Seoul Mobility Show,' the largest domestic automobile exhibition. / Goyang = Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Hyundai Motor "Fully Autonomous Vehicles to Operate in Seoul from Next Year"

At the press day of the '2021 Seoul Mobility Show' held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, Hyundai Motor announced that it will launch the 'RoboRide' service in the autonomous vehicle pilot zone in downtown Seoul in the first half of next year.

RoboRide is a mobility service that uses Level 4 autonomous vehicles to provide convenient transportation for passengers. Level 4 autonomy means the vehicle's artificial intelligence (AI) can drive to the destination without driver intervention. Hyundai's Ioniq 5 autonomous vehicle, developed specifically for Korea's autonomous driving environment, will be deployed for this service.

Simon Rossby, Executive Director of Hyundai Styling, said, "The Ioniq 5 is the perfect companion to extend personal mobility into the realm of autonomous driving," adding, "Following electrification, we will continue to reflect new design experiences and values through autonomous driving technology."

Kia unveiled the eco-friendly SUV model 'The All-New Kia Niro' for the first time worldwide. The new Niro is a vehicle newly introduced five years after the launch of the first generation. It features Kia's signature Tiger Face design expanded widely across the front, giving it a distinctive look.

The hybrid model will be released in the first quarter of next year, followed by the electric vehicle model in the first half. Kia President Song Ho-sung said, "The newly unveiled Niro is Kia's representative eco-friendly model," and added, "We believe it will be the best choice for customers who want to practice sustainability in their daily lives."

On the 25th, participants are touring the BMW exhibition hall at the press day of the country's largest automobile exhibition, the '2021 Seoul Mobility Show,' held at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. / Goyang - Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi Debut Pure Electric Models in Korea

At the exhibition, imported car companies revealed new electric vehicle models for the first time in Korea. BMW Korea displayed the pure electric flagship model 'iX' for the first time domestically. The mid-to-large size electric SUV iX features a vertical kidney grille, giving it a new and striking impression.

Han Sang-yoon, CEO of BMW Group Korea, stated, "BMW Group Korea will present a new direction for next-generation mobility at this Seoul Mobility Show."

Mercedes-Benz Korea also showcased the electric sedan 'The New EQS.' The New EQS is the first luxury electric sedan introduced by Mercedes-Benz's electric vehicle brand, Mercedes-EQ. Thomas Klein, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea, emphasized, "The New EQS is a model that sets the standard for the luxury electric sedan segment based on Mercedes-Benz's philosophy and technology."

Key Mercedes-Benz Models Unveiled at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show

Audi Korea unveiled the electric SUV 'Q4 e-tron' for the first time in Korea. It boasts sporty driving, precise handling, and a long driving range of up to 520 km.

Additionally, Maserati participated in the exhibition with the high-performance sports car 'MC20' and the hybrid SUV 'Levante GT Hybrid,' while Porsche introduced the Panamera 4E Hybrid Platinum Edition.

On the 25th, participants are exploring the Maserati exhibition hall at the press day of '2021 Seoul Mobility Show,' the largest domestic automobile exhibition held at KINTEX in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do. / Goyang = Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Seoul Mobility Show with New Name Unveils Future Mobility Technologies

Reflecting the rapidly changing trends in the automotive industry, this year's motor show was renamed and themed 'Sustainable·Connected·Mobility,' focusing on a sustainable and intelligent mobility revolution. Over 100 companies and organizations from six countries worldwide participated.

On the 25th, participants are watching Audi's announcement of five new car models at the press day of the largest domestic auto exhibition, the '2021 Seoul Mobility Show,' held at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
Photo by Kim Hyun-min, Goyang kimhyun81@

Many new events were introduced for the first time. The 'Seoul Mobility Award' was established this year to discover innovative companies in the mobility sector. This award is given to startups and small to medium-sized technology companies leading mobility innovation. A 'Startup Incubating Zone' was also set up to support startups in the mobility field.