27th Busan Mobility Show Press Day
Hyundai Casper EV and Renault Grand Koleos World Premiere
Kia Unveils Pickup Truck Tasman Camouflaged Model
BMW Debuts Compact Electric SAC iX2 in Korea for the First Time
Hyundai Motor Company's Casper electric vehicle and Renault Korea's new hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV), the Grand Koleos, were unveiled for the first time at the Busan Mobility Show on the 27th. Genesis announced its transformation into a luxury high-performance brand, while BMW Group, the only imported car brand attending, emphasized the joy of driving through electric vehicles.
Hyundai introduced the entry-level electric vehicle Casper Electric for the first time in the world. Casper Electric features a larger body size compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and highlights electric vehicle-specific elements such as pixel graphic design. The wheelbase (distance between the front and rear axles) was extended by 180 mm to increase interior space and ensure high-speed driving stability. The trunk length was extended by 100 mm, increasing cargo capacity by 20% compared to the previous model. Equipped with an NCM (Nickel-Cobalt-Manganese) battery, it takes only 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. A single charge allows for a driving range of 315 km.
Kia showcased the actual vehicle of the compact electric SUV EV3, which was first revealed online last month. The EV3 is Kia's third dedicated electric vehicle model and a strategic model aimed at popularizing electric vehicles. Kia also displayed a camouflaged model of the pickup truck Tasman, scheduled for release next year, and unveiled a purpose-built mobility (PBV) concept. Genesis declared its brand expansion into the high-performance segment at Busan, following New York and China mobility shows. The Genesis high-performance brand program, ‘Genesis Magma,’ was introduced, and the digital racing game model, the X Gran Racer concept, was unveiled for the first time worldwide.
At this mobility show, Renault Korea's eco-friendly car development project ‘Aurora,’ which will be produced at the Busan plant starting in the second half of this year, was revealed. Renault announced that the first vehicle of the next-generation eco-friendly car development project ‘Aurora’ will be named ‘Grand Koleos’ and that the top trim emphasizing sportiness, ‘Esprit Alpin,’ will be applied for the first time to a domestic model. Stephan Deblaes, President of Renault Korea, emphasized, "The Grand Koleos is a vehicle born from extensive global collaboration, the passion of domestic researchers, and the production know-how of the Busan plant and partner companies."
The Grand Koleos is a mid-size (D-segment) hybrid SUV equipped with a hybrid system that delivers a maximum output of 245 horsepower. It can drive in electric mode up to 75% in urban areas at speeds below 40 km/h, enabling fuel savings of up to 50% compared to the existing gasoline model. The CMA platform, also applied to Geely Automobile and Volvo, uses more than 18% ultra-high-strength components to ensure a high level of safety.
BMW Korea, the only imported car company attending, emphasized the joy of driving based on electric vehicles. They unveiled the pure electric sports activity vehicle (SAC) BMW iX2 for the first time in Korea and introduced the electric versions of the new Mini Cooper and Countryman, leading the electrification strategy of the premium compact car brand Mini. Hansang Yoon, CEO of BMW Group Korea, said, "We will present the group's blueprint through the various pleasures provided by mobility" and added, "We will also establish a foundation for social sustainability that coexists with the local community."
Juyangye, Head of BMW Korea Brand Division, is introducing the latest BMW models on the 27th. [Photo by BMW Group Korea]
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