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Volkswagen Korea, which resumed sales in March this year, seems to be completely settled in the market. It has ranked third in the imported car market since May, about two months after the resumption of sales, and in August, 1,820 units were sold, recording a 9.48% market share in the imported car market, recovering to its pre-launch level. In this regard, Volkswagen Korea analyzes that the sales structure supported by Passat GT, its flagship Tiguan, contributed to the recovery of its market share.

According to Volkswagen Korea on the 10th, Tiguan is definitely the core product of revival. It was popular before the suspension of sales, but it is still attracting attention after the resumption. In addition, the import company strategically maintains a reasonable starting price of around 30 million won, and according to the driving method, all-space, which is a four-wheeled roll, is added in addition to the front wheel roll, signaling a high altitude. In fact, sales of front wheel rolling 2.0 TDI during the month of August were 937, ranking second overall in imported car sales, and 240 four-wheel rolling units were also sold.

Then, Volkswagen Korea is also actively promoting the product power of Passat GT. In particular, if the Grandeur is No. 1 in sales in Korea, the Passat GT is No. 1 in mid-sized sedans in Germany, putting various awards records to the fore. He also added that pedestrian monitoring systems, traffic jam assist combined with adaptive cruise control and lane assist, front assist and urban emergency braking systems, lane assist, and proactive passenger protection systems are competitive factors in the recent expansion of advanced driver assistance devices (ADAS). In addition, it also emphasizes that the 12.3-inch interactive TFT display, front seat ventilation and driver’s massage seats, heated steering wheels, power trunk and easy open functions, and area views are commercial compared to domestic semi-large sedans. In this regard, a Volkswagen Korea official said, “Consumer judgment on product power comes from the number of sales,” adding, “Since the launch of the Passat GT, sales have reached 2,400 units, an average of 400 units per month, an increase of more than 300% compared to 2016, when the average was 110 units per month.”

The Volkswagen Polo-based T-Cross is a model located below the recently released T-Roc. Volkswagen plans to unveil the T-Cross, which will strengthen its SUV lineup, at the 2018 Paris Motor Show in October, and the launch will take place in 2019.

T-Cross, which has a similar style to T-Rock, emphasizes practicality as a large indoor space despite its small size. The T-Cross, which competes in the market with Nissan Zuk, Citroen C3 Aircross and Kia Stonic, offers a wider base 455 litres of rear loading space compared to its peers, and will increase to 1,281 litres when rear seats are folded, Volkswagen said.

The newly revealed teaser shows the inside and outside of the T-cross in detail. The T-Cross with the MQB chassis brings the design of the polo and the t-rock, and it changes the personality of the small SUV. Although the actual image has not yet been released, the appearance of the T-cross revealed through spy shots and teasers emphasized an angled style over the T-rock, and the rear was differentiated by a horizontal integrated tail light.

A wide range of options such as gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrids are expected to be provided as power sources for T-cross. Among them, the main engine is a new 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder gasoline engine, and is expected to exert 115 horsepower at a maximum expected output of 75 horsepower. The transmission comes with a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, and a dual-clutch automatic transmission is expected to be added as an option.

Volkswagen has said that GTI models can also be released in small models, and attention is being paid to whether this will apply to T-Cross. Polo and T-Cross use the same platform, so if the GTI model is released on the T-Cross, it is likely to be equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo engine. The engine is responsible for up to 197 horsepower in the Polo GTI.

As Tiguan’s position in the market was solidified, Volkswagen Korea immediately put forward the Passat GT. Unlike Tiguan, which has no special competitor, the Passat GT is a medium-sized sedan, so competition is fierce. There are strong competitors ranging from the Grandeur, a domestic car, to premium brands such as Mercedes-Benz C-Class. As a result, the company responded to the market with a North American Passat, which was highly competitive in price and space before the suspension of sales, but this time it competed head-on with a European premium sedan. And the results led to success, with sales increasing from the previous generation after re-entering the market, and in April, when India was fully delivered, it recorded the highest monthly sales ever at 809. In a nutshell, supply cannot keep up with demand.

The engine added to the QM6 dCi is 1.7ℓ diesel, with a maximum of 150 horsepower (3,750 rpm) and a maximum of 34.6 kg·m (1,750 to 2,750 rpm). The fuel efficiency was secured a total of 14.1 km/L (based on 17·18 inch tires). The 2.0 dCi 4WD, which was released together, produces up to 190 horsepower up to 38.7kg·m. The efficiency is 12.7 km/L (based on 18-inch tires). The new engine meets Euro 6D emission standards by applying SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system.

Some product configurations have also been reorganized. The 2.0 dCi product is expanded to the premium trim. In the case of RE signature trim, an upgrade is possible with an additional 2.75 million won. You can add a dedicated 19-inch two-tone alloy wheel, double-junction soundproof glass (row 1/2) side window, quilting Napa leather seat, front-seat prestige headrest, artificial leather cover and black stitch, S-link 8.7-inch navigation, and Bose 12 speaker sound system.

The new product provides clearer and cleaner images by applying a 1 million pixel HD resolution, which is more than three times better than before. Through this, it is possible to clearly check the situation around the car with a high-definition image that fills the 8.7-inch large screen of the S-link system. In addition, it supports 3D mode that allows you to check the surrounding 360° with a simple touch operation for the first time in Korea. By rotating the screen with your finger, you can check the field of view at the desired angle, and you can grasp a wider area than the existing 2D mode at a glance.

Renault will launch a second-generation capture of a small SUV (Korean name QM3) in Europe in December. Expectations are high on whether the new model will be able to serve as a relief pitcher at a time when QM3 is suffering from sluggish performance due to the aging of its products and the emergence of competitive models in Korea.

The actual length has increased by 110mm compared to the first generation. As a result, the wheel base was also 20mm longer, and the rear leg room was secured 17mm and the front seat base was secured 15mm more. The trunk space has increased by 81ℓ to 536ℓ. The exterior emphasized its boldness compared to the previous one, targeting the Chinese market, and the interior is equipped with a 9.2-inch touch screen, which is almost twice as large as the current one, and emphasizes luxury.

The PHEV version, which debuts, combines a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors and is equipped with a 9.8kWh battery. System output is up to 150 horsepower. Up to 45 kilometers can be driven in electric mode alone.

According to foreign media reports on the 14th, the new model is based on the CMF-B platform previously adopted by Clio. As a result, the size has been increased compared to the first generation, and it is characterized by reducing emissions and strengthening aerodynamic performance through weight reduction of 50kg. In addition to existing diesel and gasoline, Renault will be equipped with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system for the first time.

In addition, it will also release an “HD front camera” that provides the same level of image quality. When applying an HD front camera, the situation around the front and rear bumpers can be checked in real time with an indoor monitor, and safety accidents that may occur in complex driving and parking environments can be prevented in advance.

It provides exterior design upgrades and second-row seat reclining in common with all 1.7 dCi 2WD trims. SE trim adds LED front fog lamp, front/rear skid, RE trim adds 18-inch two-tone alloy wheel, RE signature trim adds driver’s memory & massage seat, driver’s manual cushion extension, and Android auto. The 2.0 dCi 4WD also adopted exterior upgrades and second-row reclining, with the RE trim containing the same items as the rear skid, 18-inch two-tone alloy wheel, and the RE Signature trim 1.7 dCi 2WD.

Noise and vibration measures have also been improved. Fender, dash, subframe bush, engine exhaust heat shield reinforced with sound insulation. It also added safety items such as adaptive cruise control, inter-vehicle distance warning, and automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection

Organized by the Korea Consumer Agency, the event is a social contribution project for the elderly, farmers, and social care groups such as multicultural families who are vulnerable to consumer information. The company visited Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do in April, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, and Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do in June, and participated in education and counseling activities in Jeungpyeong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do on the 23rd. After that, he will also participate in the Haenam-gun event in Jeollanam-do, which is scheduled to be held on November 14.

The forum held at the National Assembly on the 23rd was held to discuss the changing paradigm and technology development of the automobile industry and to think and share ways for the future automobile industry. About 80 officials from Korea, France, and Canada, including David Piel Jalikong, chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attended the forum. At the meeting, Sophie Schmitlin, director of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s Advanced Engineering Global Director, presented three key elements of the changing automotive industry: electric vehicles, self-driving and connected cars. It also expressed opinions on the impact of connected car technology on the automobile industry and the V2X road map.

2020 SM6 buyers will be provided with an additional discount of 200,000 won or an additional installed air purifier when released within September, along with 500,000 won in fuel costs. In addition, it provides one more type of cash worth 1 million won or support for purchasing optional items, goods, and warranty extension services worth up to 1.2 million won. In addition, it has prepared a customized interest-free installment program for My Way that allows you to directly select the principal and period of installment or an unconventional interest rate benefit of 0.9% for 36-month installment purchases. For typhoon victims, an additional 500,000 won discount is provided.

In the case of QM6, an additional discount of 200,000 won or an installed air purifier will be provided free of charge when it is released in September. On top of that, we propose either a selection item worth up to 600,000 won, support for purchasing goods, or a five-year, 100,000-kilometer happy care guarantee extension service worth 570,000 won. In addition, an additional 500,000 won in fuel costs will be provided to buyers of QM6 GDe and dCi, and an additional 500,000 won discount will be applied to typhoon victims.

Master van consumers will be provided with 1 million won in fuel costs and 5 years and 160,000km (equivalent to 1.35 million won) guarantee extension services free of charge, and an additional 1.1 million won will be provided to individual businesses and small business owners. Interest-free benefits will be applied to 36-month installment purchases, and a 500,000 won discount will be added to typhoon victims.

Renault Samsung provided basic car inspection services such as batteries, wipers, and tire conditions along with various oil checks. In addition, various consumables exchange services such as wiper blades, washer fluid, antifreeze, various light bulbs and bulges were provided free of charge to social care groups. In addition, only consumers who need additional inspections were guided to nearby cooperative service stores for detailed inspections.

Renault Samsung Motors announced on the 16th that it will offer an additional 500,000 won discount for all models until the end of September for typhoon victims. In addition, an additional special discount on Chuseok worth 200,000 won will be applied when purchasing 2020 SM6 and The New QM6.

Additional discounts for typhoon victims will be applied to the victims themselves, their spouses, their parents, their parents, their children, and their spouses, not corporate, lease, or rental cars. Renault Clio will discount up to 4 million won and QM3 up to 4.5 million won, adding an additional 500,000 won discount on the previous Chuseok purchase benefit in September. Clio and QM3 will also apply “T2C,” a dedicated tablet navigation system, for free.

At the X5 xDrive 45e test drive event held in Munich, Germany on the 19th of last month, Gerhard Thiel, the head of the X5 plug-in hybrid project, explained BMW’s future eco-friendly car plans. He said, “I’ve thought about what kind of car consumers want over a long period of time.” Since then, he has started to find eco-friendly cars that meet various conditions in line with the rapidly changing situation and background of the times.

He stated that there is a limit to the popularization of eco-friendly vehicles due to the large number of restrictions in pure electric vehicles. As time goes by, the product will become more complete and cheaper, but it will inevitably face personal and social problems. Specifically, the company cited charging infrastructure. He added that it is very difficult to taste as a manufacturer because each individual wants different mileage and the regulations set by each country are complicated.
BMW plans to expand its PHEV product line and respond quickly to new strategies. Currently, PHEV, which was applied only to sedan lineups including 7 series, will be expanded to all models without segmentation. In August, the company introduced the X5 x Drive 45e, which more than tripled its mileage, and in the second half of the year, it will officially release PHEV versions of the Mini and X3. In addition, plug-in hybrid systems will be installed for X1 and 3 series touring by the first half of next year. In this case, BMW Group’s PHEV product line will be increased to a total of nine models.

It is hard to find a big difference in appearance from the existing M2. However, new detailed elements were added in consideration of the air dynamics. The bonnet is drilled with ducts to quickly drain engine heat. In addition, a splitter was attached under the front bumper for downforce, and the rear bumper diffuser was sharpened. Side mirrors, roofs, and all-in-one spoilers finished with carbon fiber are also notable. The interior is covered with Alcantara, which emphasizes the feeling of a high-performance car.

“M2 CS is a true high-performance coupe that encompasses both general roads and tracks,” BMW M General Manager Marcus Flasch said. “Among BMW M, it is a product that expresses the characteristics of the edition product well.”

Meanwhile, BMW M2 CS will produce only 2,200 units and will make its official debut at the LA Auto Show this month. The price is 95,000 pounds, about 120 million won in Korean won, and it will officially go on sale next year.

Meanwhile, various BMW PHEV products can be found in Korea. In the first half of next year, X5 x Drive 45e will step on Korean soil. It is a PHEV product based on the X5 that combines a series of six-cylinder gasoline engines and a high-performance electric motor to provide a total system output of 394 horsepower.

The biggest feature of M2 CS is its motor performance. The series six-cylinder twin-turbo engine is the same as the existing M2 composition, but BMW made a completely different car by significantly boosting the output. As a result, M2 CS exerts a maximum output of 450 horsepower and a maximum torque of 56.1 kg·m, which is 40 horsepower higher than Compensation. The transmission can be selected between a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual clutch (DCT), and it takes only 3.8 seconds (4.0 seconds) to accelerate to 100 km/h from a standstill.

To control strong performance, CS-only large-diameter 19-inch wheels, Michelin Cup 2 tires, and carbon ceramic brake systems are standard and adaptive M suspensions are installed to effectively convey the movement of the car. The steering wheel system is set in the same way as the previously introduced M3 and M4 CSs to increase agility. In addition, various parts were newly made in consideration of the elasticity and center of gravity of the car, and as a result, the weight of the M2 is 50% lighter than that of the M2.

It can drive up to 80 kilometers in pure electric mode, and the acceleration time from standstill to 100 kilometers per hour is only 5.6 seconds. On top of that, it also improved space and driving stability by changing the battery location and reducing the size of parts. BMW explained the X545e, saying it is a car that can experience both the advantages of existing SUVs and the specialness of electric power trains.

Hybrids are less efficient because they have a short distance to go to pure electric mode and take a long time to charge the battery. As a result, there is a disadvantage in that carbon dioxide emissions are high and the overall maintenance cost is higher than PHEV. BMW considered PHEV to be the most efficient solution given various situations. “We found the answer in PHEV, where the advantages of hybrid and electric vehicles melt well,” Thiel said. “It is a popular means to achieve the purpose of eco-friendly cars while minimizing consumer hassle.”

Mercedes-Benz Korea announced on the 16th that it will provide free inspection services at 65 official service centers nationwide until October 26 for models over three years old.

This campaign will inspect engine oil, transmission oil, brake oil, cooling water, air filters, tires, wipers, brake pads, disks, belts, and batteries for registered models before December 31, 2015 (excluding Maybach W240). Consumers with target models can purchase various genuine parts (excluding engine oil and tires) and all accessories and collections at a 15% discount.

Mercedes-Benz will introduce level 3 self-driving technology through next-generation S-Class (developed name W223).

According to foreign media on the 13th, Marcus Schaffer, director of Daimler Group’s board of directors and group research and Mercedes-Benz car development, said at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, “Bents hopes to reduce the frequency of drivers’ intervention in driving by applying Level 3 autonomous driving, defined as ‘yes-off’ technology. The goal is to apply this to the new S-Class, which is scheduled to be released in a few months.”

Level 3 autonomous driving is a partial autonomous driving that can detect and avoid obstacles on its own, as well as the existing driver assistance system (ADAS) that supports Level 2. Cars can recognize traffic signals, and completely autonomous driving is possible on highways and arterial roads. It is differentiated that higher active driving is possible. Currently, only some companies such as Audi have secured this technology and installed it in mass-produced cars.
Based on Mercedes’ new design identity, the new S-Class will apply a large grill, slim LED head and tail lamp, and hidden door handles. It is known that the interior will have the marketability of the flagship through MBUX, an infotainment system with enhanced connectivity, a vertical display, and a freestanding seat. The new S-Class will be unveiled in the first half of next year.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz announced its new flagship “EQS” with electricity through the Frankfurt Motor Show. Mercedes will build a new flagship lineup with the S-Class and EQS.
In addition, Mercedes-AMG high-performance engine oil promotions are underway for service center visitors from September 2. It is a high-performance lubricant that performs optimally in all gasoline engines, including AMG engines, and if you replace more than 6ℓ of engine oil or receive a repair for more than 300,000 won, 210ml truffle olive oil will be provided as a free gift until you run out of stock.

Mercedes-Benz Korea’s first pure electric vehicle, EQC, has a slightly shorter driving distance of 309km per charge, he replied, “Electric vehicles should be approached in terms of overall, not just driving distance.”

EQC, the first new car of the EQ brand released in Korea on the 22nd, is equipped with an 80kWh battery and has a driving distance of 309km per charge. Compared to Hyundai’s Kona 406km, Kia’s Niro EV 385km, Kia’s Soul electric vehicle 388km, Chevrolet Bolt EV 383km, Tesla Model SP100D 424km, Tesla Model 3 Long Range 446km, and Jaguar I-Pace 333km, which were first released and sold in Korea, the mileage is relatively short. In the case of electricity considering battery capacity, it is only 3km per kWh, which is further behind.

This is also in conflict with Mercedes’ eco-friendly strategy to apply the 48V mild hybrid EQ boost system to internal combustion engines for high efficiency. In response, Mark Lane, vice president of product marketing at Mercedes-Benz Korea, said, “Electric vehicles are not just a matter of mileage, but are provided to consumers in a complete package, so they cover advanced safety technologies, connectivity, and digital systems,” adding, “I don’t think the mileage is short when charged once because there are not many days to drive 300 kilometers a day.” “We will look at what consumers really need while looking at the maintenance case and optimize electric vehicle infrastructure and other matters,” he explained.
Mattias Luers, president of Mercedes-Benz’s passenger division overseas, who visited Korea for the opening ceremony, said, “We will continue to strengthen our mobility leader position and lead the industry in the future by continuing ‘innovation’, a key driving force that has led the history of automobile technology development for the past 130 years.”

At this exhibition, “Vision Seoul 2039,” a blueprint for Seoul’s future mobility presented by Mercedes, also made its debut. Twenty years later, Seoul was expressed as a smart and sustainable city where citizens can enjoy a high quality of life by harmonizing people and environment based on cutting-edge technology.

Meanwhile, the exhibition hall will be open to the public for free from the 23rd to mid-January next year. During the exhibition, various activities will be carried out, including holding a connected car startup hackathon, an application development competition applicable to future mobility. It is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends, and is closed every Monday.

Vice President Mark Lane noted that strong performance should also be considered. “In the case of EQC, it has a performance of up to 77.4 kg·m at a maximum of 408 horsepower and an excellent time to reach 100 km/h at a standstill of 5.1 seconds,” he said. “Since each manufacturer has its own key field and sees electric vehicles in terms of overall, we will not care about the mileage.” He also expressed confidence, saying, “The response in other markets is satisfactory.”

The charging infrastructure will be provided around the dealer network. Vice President Mark Lane said, “We will provide high-speed and slow chargers to the dealer network and set up strategic bases across Seoul to install chargers,” but added, “It is not just manufacturers that provide chargers, but it is something that the public and private sectors should cooperate to expand.”

Rexton Sports (including Cannes) sold 41,717 units in 2018 and 41,328 units in 2019, marking the second consecutive year that it sold 40,000 units

It’s done. Rexton Sports, launched in January 2018, surpassed 2,500 units within four days of pre-contracting and 20,000 units of domestic sales within six months of release

He led domestic demand growth.

A Ssangyong official said, “Recton Sports has been pioneering its own market called ‘Open SUV’ since Musso Sports in 2002

It contains the traditions of the Potts brand and the premium value of Rexton, he said. “Through constant product innovation and global marketing activities

We will grow the value of sports brands indefinitely, he said.
Ssangyong Motor’s British agency was selected as the “2020 Pick-up of the Year” by British four-wheel-drive magazine Four-Baipo (4X4) last month

Myung Musso) was selected as the “2020 Best Pickup for Car of the Year” announced by the automobile magazine What Car this month, and its product power and value were recognized

We decided to strengthen our marketing activities.

In addition, the German agency extended its sponsorship with the Leverkusen team in the Bundesliga of the German professional soccer league and the Frog of Sport 1 channel

Supporting RAM, etc. will be carried out. Italy will also start active marketing activities starting with a New Year’s TV advertising campaign.

Ssangyong Motor said, “We urgently need to recover our exports to achieve our sales goal this year,” adding, “Europe centered on popular models along with entering emerging markets.”

Through local marketing activities, we will increase brand awareness in the global market and spur sales expansion, he said.
Rexton Sports has the unique style of “the only open SUV in Korea” and introduces premium interior and convenience items of the G4 Rexton

While sharing, it attracted attention for its excellent economic feasibility, such as reasonable sales price and low automobile tax (28,500 won). In January 2019, the enemy

It has expanded its choice by releasing a long-bodied version of “Recton Sports Khan,” which has greatly improved its talent. Maximum load weight of 700 kg here

(Powerleaf Suspension), a differential gear lock that improves driving and towing capabilities in a variety of environments (LD: Locking)

Differential) has given lifestyle infinite possibilities of change.
Ssangyong Motor (1,890.00%) participated in the 2020 Brussels Motor Show in Brussels, Belgium last month, displaying 14 vehicles and promoting them

I spread out the bronze. Participate in the 2020 Vienna Auto Show in Vienna, Austria, and invite local dealers to meet their sales targets

We discussed a plan for the.

Expectations were high for the Korando CNG (compressed natural gas) model, which will start selling during the first quarter. Corando Gasoline (1.5 L)

The Korando CNG applied to the Turbo) model is a bi-fuel type vehicle that uses both CNG and gasoline as fuel.

It is also receiving favorable reviews in the global market. 2020 Pick of the Year by British four-wheel-drive magazine ‘4X4’ last month

The Best Pickup (£28,000) was also named in the 2020 Car of the Year published by the automotive magazine What Car

It was selected as ‘hereinafter).’

EV6 won not only the top prize in product design but also the main prize in innovative products at the Red Dot Awards.

“The EV6, which was launched in March last year, reflects Kia’s new design philosophy, ‘Opposites United,’ a creative fusion of conflicting concepts,” Kia said. “By combining shapes, composition, and colors that contrast each other based on future-oriented design concepts, it presented a direction that did not exist before.”

Among eco-friendly vehicles, the electric vehicle sector will launch more than two electric vehicles every year, including the launch of the flagship EV9 next year, and build a total of 14 electric vehicle full-line by 2027.

This is the addition of three types: a dedicated electric pickup truck, a strategic electric pickup truck in emerging markets, and an economical electric vehicle, compared to the previous plan to release 11 electric vehicle models by 2026.

Through this, Kia has set a target of 1.2 million electric vehicles in 2030. This is equivalent to 30% of Kia’s total sales, and the target for the proportion of electric vehicle sales in major markets is 45%. This target is about 36% higher than the 877,000 announced at Investor Day in February last year.

Combined with the 1.87 million electric vehicle targets announced by Hyundai Motor, Hyundai Motor Group’s sibling automaker, the two companies’ electric vehicle sales reach 3.07 million units in 2030. Hyundai Motor Group explains that in this case, the two companies’ share of electric vehicles in the global market will rise from 6% last year to 12% in 2030.

Kia plans to focus more on its technology-oriented marketability enhancement strategy. It plans to enable connectivity services for all new cars to be released in 2025.
Based on the forecast that global automobile demand will reach 83 million vehicles this year, up 5.5% from the previous year, the company plans to sell 3.15 million vehicles, up 13.5% from the previous year, achieving a global share of 3.8%.

This year, it will introduce a total of five marketability improvement models, including 2nd-generation Niro, Indian strategic MPV Karens, Niro Plus, and EV6 GT.

This year’s financial target was set at 83.1 trillion won in sales, 6.5 trillion won in operating profit, and 7.8% in operating profit. Compared to the previous year, sales increased by 19.0%, operating profit increased by 27.3%, and operating profit ratio increased by 0.5 percentage points (p).

As for mid- to long-term financial performance, Kia said it will achieve 120 trillion won in sales, 10 trillion won in operating profit and 8.3% in 2026 and grow into a company with a market capitalization of 100 trillion won.

It will be able to update and optimize vehicle performance through wireless updates (OTA), and will be equipped with advanced autonomous driving functions on all new cars sold in advanced markets in 2026.

In the announcement, a detailed blueprint for a new purpose-based mobility (PBV) business was also presented.

This year, it will launch a Ray single-seat van, a derivative PBV based on existing mass-produced cars, and Niro Plus, a model exclusively for taxi and mobility services, and a dedicated PBV with a skateboard platform in 2025.

It has been well-received in Europe for its expanded indoor space by applying E-GMP, a dedicated electric vehicle platform, V2L function that can supply general power (220V) to the outside of the vehicle, and an ultra-fast charging system.

It was the first Korean brand to be named the 2022 European Car of the Year in March this year, and won the 2022 Irish Car of the Year, the 2022 Wat Car of the Year, the 2022 German Car of the Year Premium of the Year, and the 2021 Top Gear Crossover.

“It is characterized by an original and bold future-oriented design that goes beyond the realm of existing automobile design,” said Karim Habib, executive director of Kia’s design department.

At this point, Kia plans to launch a dedicated PBV with a platform specialized for PBV. Like Niro Plus, the first PBV for taxi, business, and leisure unveiled last month, it plans to release a new car developed as a PBV from the beginning, not a “derivative PBV” using a previously released vehicle.
To this end, Kia has set the project name of its first exclusive PBV model as “SW” and is speeding up its development.
It is a mid-size class. “eS,” a platform dedicated to PBVs for electric vehicles in the form of skateboards, will be applied. This platform has the advantage of being able to flexibly combine various types of vehicle bodies.

In the case of SW, it is known that it is capable of responding to various business demands such as Delivery, Car Hailing, and B2B with excellent loading capacity in a wide indoor space with adult height.

The battery refurbishment service is a service that provides a new-class renewable battery at a third of the price of a new battery when the warranty period has expired or the battery needs to be replaced for a fee due to an accident

Kia has also prepared a service that will ease the burden of charging taxi customers.

First, it will launch a dedicated membership called ‘Kia EV Members’ for private taxi operators who operate electric vehicles.

Kia EV Members will be provided with services such as “Charging Roaming” service that can be charged without a separate subscription and “Kia Green Pass,” a subscription-type charging plan that can be used at a discounted rate of up to 1,400 kWh per month.

In addition, Kia will provide corporate taxi customers with up to four 100kW fast chargers worth 60 million won free of charge regardless of the number of Niro Plus taxis purchased.
The charging rate is 278 won/kWh, which is cheaper than the standard fast charging rate of the Ministry of Environment.

Kia has also prepared a dedicated package for individual customers who enjoy camping.

The camping-only package not only reduces trunk space to increase indoor space, but also includes a V2L (Vehicle to Load) function that can supply general power to the outside of the vehicle, luggage multi-storage trim, and flattening board.

A Kia official said, “Niro Plus is a PBV developed based on consumer needs, and it will provide new value to mobility life by providing various customized services.”

According to Kia, SW will also be equipped with a vehicle system wireless update (OTA) function and meet 600,000 km of durability tests based on the vehicle body to help reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the vehicle.

After SW, Kia plans to increase its lineup to include micro-size PBVs optimized for food and household goods delivery, as well as large-size PBVs that can be used as general logistics, fresh food delivery, multi-seater shuttles, and mobile offices and stores.

The electric vehicle-based PBV is an eco-friendly multi-purpose mobility that provides various forms, functions, and services, and when combined with autonomous driving technology, it will be in the spotlight as a means of future transportation such as robotaxi, unmanned cargo transportation, and moving business space.

“We will pioneer new markets with derived PBVs in the short term, and gradually increase the supply of PBVs to the world by using dedicated PBVs and autonomous driving technologies in the mid to long term,” said Song Ho-sung, president of Kia.

BMW Korea is encouraged by the increase in X5 sales compared to the previous month despite the launch of Mercedes-Benz GLE, a strong competitor in the mid- to large-sized premium SUV market, in Korea last month.

Among actual consumers, there is a public opinion that the X5 is relatively superior in convenience and safety items rather than design or performance, comparing the overall marketability of the two models. On the X5, the driving assistant professional that implements semi-autonomous driving is applied to all trims by default, while the GLE lacks related features. In addition, comfort seats with ventilation and panoramic glass roofs can be selected from some X5 trims, but not from GLE. It is evaluated that X5 is also ahead of items with high preference such as parking assist, lane change notification, and head-up display including reverse assistant function.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is based on the 2 Series, which first appeared in 2013. The early second series targeted BMW enthusiasts with a two-door coupe that emphasized style, but sales were not as high as expected. So, the company changed the two doors to four, while keeping the coupe design intact, and renamed it “Gran Coupe.”

The second series Gran Coupe shows a big difference in form from the existing coupe. The length was 4,526mm, and the width and height were 1,800mm and 1,420mm, respectively, completing a low and wide body. The larger grill, LED headlamp, and sharp bumper catch the eye. BMW explained, “This is the result of trying to match the family look of the Gran Coupe series.” At the back, the trunk line with the tip raised and the thin tail lamp are impressive and two-tone bumper is applied to create a fresh sense.

Relaxed space is another feature of the second series Gran Coupe. First, thanks to the long wheelbase reaching 2,670 mm, the second row secured 33 mm of additional knee space. Using the front wheel rolling platform like the first series, the middle jaw is removed, allowing three adults to board comfortably. The trunk is 430ℓ, which is 40ℓ larger than the existing two-door coupe, and 20:40:20 split sheets can create a larger space.

The dynamometer is a combination of a four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces up to 228 horsepower and has an acceleration performance of 0→100km/h of 6.0 seconds. For consumers who want high performance, M-sports trim has also been prepared. The M235i x drive can perform up to 301 horsepower and up to 45.9kg·m, and the acceleration performance of 0→100km/h is sufficient in 4.7 seconds. The maximum speed is limited to 250 km/h. The driving method provides an additional x-drive, a four-wheel rolling system based on front wheel rolling.

Gran Coupe, the second series, will be celebrated at the LA Auto Show next month. It will start selling in March next year in the order of the U.S., China, Germany, and the U.K. The price has been set widely from 31,950 euros (about 41.9 million won) to 51,900 euros (about 68 million won) in Germany, and its launch in Korea is undecided.

The interior inherited the latest BMW design trend. The shape around the driver-facing center fascia, electronic instrument panel, M steering wheel, air outlet and shift lever is also familiar. On the other hand, unique mood lights were added to the door trim and panel to create a fresh feeling.

In the case of the BMW X5 x Drive 30dM sports package, the six-cylinder diesel engine and the eight-speed steptronic automatic transmission are combined to exert up to 265 horsepower and up to 63.2kg·m in performance. Equipped with an intelligent four-wheel drive system and adaptive air suspension, the lowest ground height can be adjusted up to 80mm depending on the situation using buttons. Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d 4 Matic has a four-cylinder diesel engine and a nine-speed G-tronic transmission, producing up to 245 horsepower and up to 51.0 kg·m in performance. The airmatic package includes a damping control system and intelligently adjusts the suspension according to road surface conditions, car speed and load.

According to statistics from the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association on the 24th, BMW X5 has sold more than 1,200 units by September since the fourth generation was launched in Korea earlier this year. Mercedes-Benz GLE, a competitive model, temporarily suspended sales at the end of last year due to exhaustion of inventory for complete change, but visited the domestic market as the fourth generation in September this year. In September, the first month of its release, GLE’s sales reached 419 units, which was evaluated to have been successfully settled. However, BMW X5 sales also reached 202 units in the same month, doubling from the previous month. As a result, it is analyzed that consumers who had been eating between GLE and X5 have rather fallen to X5 after the launch of GLE.