Major Imported Car Brands Announce New Model Launch Plans
Expanding Options Amid Prolonged Electric Vehicle Stagnation
In the second half of this year, the domestic imported car industry is expected to focus primarily on internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrids.
Audi The New Q5 equipped with the 'PPC (Premium Platform Combustion)' platform developed exclusively for internal combustion engines and plug-in hybrids. Audi Korea
According to an analysis of statistical data from the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA) on May 6, a total of 60,657 new imported cars were registered in Korea in the first quarter of this year (January to March). This represents an 11.1% increase compared to the 54,583 new imported cars registered in the first quarter of last year.
This year, imported car brands appear to be targeting the domestic market with internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrids rather than electric vehicles. Recently released new models from major imported car brands have shown a tendency to focus on electric vehicles. However, as the stagnation in demand for electric vehicles continues, these brands seem to be expanding options for internal combustion engine vehicles and hybrids.
Last year, Audi Korea recorded 9,304 new registrations, falling below 10,000 units for the first time in seven years since 2017. In an effort to recover sales in the domestic market, Audi Korea began pre-orders for 'The New A5' on April 29. The A5 is the first model to feature the 'PPC (Premium Platform Combustion)' platform, which Audi developed exclusively for internal combustion engine vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Audi evaluated this car as having achieved progressive changes across design, technology, and performance. In addition, 'The New Q5,' the first SUV equipped with the PPC platform, is also scheduled for domestic release.
Mercedes-Benz Korea, which ranked second in both sales volume and market share in the first quarter of this year, will launch the second-generation full-change model of the high-performance AMG brand's two-door coupe, the Mercedes-AMG GT, this month. This vehicle was also previewed at the Seoul Mobility Show in April. In the second half of the year, the company plans to release another high-performance model, the 'Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe,' as well as the top-tier 'Mercedes-Maybach SL' from the Maybach brand. The Maybach SL, unveiled last year, drew attention for its striking red exterior and sporty appearance.
BMW Korea, which took the top spot in the imported car market last year, will launch next-generation internal combustion engine vehicles in the third quarter of this year. The new fourth-generation models of the BMW 120, a C-segment (compact) hatchback, and the high-performance M135 xDrive are in preparation. These vehicles were first unveiled in overseas markets in June of last year. In the fourth quarter, BMW will release the seventh-generation hybrid model of its high-performance sedan, the BMW M5 Touring, from the 5 Series. The new M5 Touring is the latest model to be introduced since the E61 in 2007.
Porsche Korea plans to launch a new 911 equipped with a high-performance hybrid system, based on the brand's iconic 911 model, in Korea within this year. At the Seoul Mobility Show, Porsche Korea showcased the new '911 Carrera 4 GTS' model.
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