Carmakers converge on Shanghai for auto show

Korean automakers are looking to catch Chinese consumers’ attention at the 15th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition in the world’s largest auto market.

The Shanghai motor show, which will be the largest ever in China, will open from today and run to April 29 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. Organizers expect more than 800,000 visitors and 2,000 companies from 20 countries that will display more than 1,300 automobiles.

Hyundai Motor, the nation’s largest automaker, has prepared a booth that covers 2,507 square meters (26,985 square feet) and plans to showcase 21 models, including the SUV Maxcruz, which is also known as the Grand Santa Fe.

The automaker will also have a world premiere of the HND-10, which is the 10th concept car made at its Namyang Technical Research Center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi. The HND-10 is known to be a sedan sized between the Avante compact and midsized Sonata.

Hyundai will also showcase the HCD-14, a Genesis-based concept car that was first revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January, while its hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle Tucson ix will also be displayed.

Hyundai affiliate Kia Motors will introduce the All New Carens, a multipurpose vehicle, and 18 other models, including a revamped K7 in its 1,624 square meters of convention space. Other Kia vehicles include the Ray EV and concept CUB, which was first unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show last month.

Kia said its Chinese joint venture Dongfeng Yueda Kia will debut a pure-electric car brand called Huaqi during the auto show. According to sources, Huaqi will first unveil a compact concept that is based on Kia’s compact car Cerato (also known as the Spectra in the U.S.).

Ssangyong Motor, the nation’s smallest automaker, said it will introduce the Rexton W, its premium SUV, while also showcasing diesel and gasoline versions of the Korando C in its 716 square-meter booth.

The company, now part of India’s Mahindra Group, will also present a concept SIV-1 (Smart Interface Vehicle).

GM Korea and Renault Samsung Motors will not officially participate as their parent companies General Motors and Renault will be in charge.

Hankook Tire, the nation’s largest tire manufacturer, is also joining the event to reinforce its image as the No. 1 tire brand in China.

The company said that it will introduce concept tires produced in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati.

Other products to be displayed include Tiltread, which provides more dynamic cornering ability through the use of non-pneumatic and tilt tire technology, and the Motiv off-road tire.

A product called eMembrane, a hybrid tire which can adjust rolling resistance, and Mag-Trac, which uses magnetic field technology, will also be shown to Chinese customers.

By Joo Kyung-don [kjoo@joongang.co.kr]