In the second half of this year, about 30 new types of fish-class cars will be launched. The number of new cars has decreased slightly from the previous year, but key models such as “IONIQ6″ “Granger” and “Torres” will take the mound one after another. Industries are planning to grow sales in the second half of this year based on strong demand for new cars amid unfavorable factors such as supply shortages of semiconductors.
Hyundai Motor is going to put in IONIQ6th and 4th quarter Grandeur in a row. The IONIQ6 is Hyundai Motor’s first sedan-type electric vehicle and the second exclusive electric vehicle. It emphasizes streamlined design based on the concept car ‘Propesi’ design. It is expected that it will achieve a mileage of 500km or more for the first time among Hyundai Motor’s electric vehicles by installing 77.4kWh battery. IONIQ6 will be unveiled for the first time at the 2022 Busan Motor Show, which will open on the 15th.Grandeur is expected to receive the most expectations among new cars in the second half of the year. As it is a best-selling model with sales potential of 100,000 units per year, it is expected to signal an increase in Hyundai Motor’s performance in the second half of this year. It will drastically improve its design and productivity with the 7th generation completely changed model. It will reproduce the dignity of the flagship sedan by utilizing the angular design that inherited the identity of the first-generation model. It will be equipped with gasoline, LPG, and hybrid engines, and will also add four-wheel drive models
Kia, Ssangyong and Renault Korea will compete in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) market between 20 million won and 30 million won. Kia is going to put in Celtos, which has undergone a partial change in three years. The exterior has changed with mesh radiator grille and star map signature lighting. The interior has increased visibility with panoramic displays that connect clusters and infotainment system screens.
Ssangyong Motor will set the stage for normalization of its management with its new mid-sized SUV Torres. Torres, which officially started selling on the 5th, has more than 30,000 pre-contracts based on its excellent cost-effectiveness (price-to-performance). Ssangyong Motor has switched its production lines at its Pyeongtaek plant to two shifts to respond to Torres’ demand.
Renault Korea Motors is also going to introduce XM3 hybrids that were introduced in Europe first. Based on a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, the XM3 hybrid combines electric motors and batteries to exhibit excellent fuel efficiency and output. It is expected that Renault Korea will expand its position in the hybrid SUV market, which had limited options.Global electric vehicle industry is focusing on electric vehicle markets.
Another point to watch is the competition between Mercedes-Benz and BMW, which are competing for the top spot in the market. Benz is going to solidify its position in premium electric vehicle markets with EQB and EQE. EQE, an E-class electric vehicle, is the second model developed based on a dedicated architecture after EQS. It is equipped with a 90kWh battery and can drive 660km (based on WLTP).
BMW is preparing to introduce new flagship models such as 7 series and X7. The 7 Series, which has undergone a complete change to the 7th generation, is going to experiment with the first application of a headlamp divided into top and bottom and a 31.3-inch two-row theater screen. It is also preparing an electric vehicle version i7 with 101.7kWh battery.
Audi Q4 e-Tron and Volkswagen ID.4 are models that will expand the imported electric vehicle market. The mileage of one charge is around 520km (based on WLTP), and the local price in Germany starts at around 50 million won. If competitive prices are set in Korea, it is expected to have a ripple effect.
Peugeot, DS Auto Mobile, Jeep, and Ford are also trying to reverse the mood with new cars. Peugeot and DS started selling premium hatchbacks 308 and DS4 this month, which improved their productivity. Jeep is releasing a new Grand Cherokee. Ford and Lincoln plan to introduce new models of the super-large SUV Expedition and Navigator.
KILSUNG CHOI
ASIA JOURNAL
