Hyundai Motor offers electric cars to visiting BIE delegation

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Hyundai Motor offers electric cars to visiting BIE delegation

Published: 28 Mar. 2023, 16:01

Kim Dong-wook, left, executive vice president at Hyundai Motor, and Yoon Sang-jik, secretary general of the bidding committee, pose for a photo during a signing ceremony held in central Seoul, Tuesday. [HYUNDAI MOTOR]

Hyundai Motor will provide all-electric G80 sedans for the inspection team from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) during their stay in Korea.

On Tuesday, the carmaker signed a memorandum of understanding with the Busan Expo bidding committee to join efforts in bringing the 2030 World Expo to Busan, especially during the on-site inspection of the BIE delegation scheduled from April 2 to 7.

The BIE delegation will visit Seoul before heading to Busan.

During their six-day stay, Hyundai Motor will provide eight Electrified G80 sedans and four buses. The all-electric models will showcase Korea’s strength over its rivals, according to Hyundai Motor, as carbon neutrality is a central part in the country’s vision for the World Expo.

“This will be a good opportunity to help the BIE delegation experience Hyundai Motor Group’s carbon neutral technology-based electric cars and therefore understand Busan’s capability in hosting the World Expo,” Hyundai Motor said in a release.

"The BIE delegation's visit will be an important opportunity to show that eco-friendliness, one of the major themes for the Busan Expo, has already become part of our everyday life through Korea's leading companies such as Hyundai Motor Group," said Yoon Sang-jik, secretary general of the bidding committee.

Hyundai Motor Group will utilize its resources and networks to rally support for the port city’s bid to host the World Expo until the final decision is made at the BIE general assembly in November, the company said.

On Tuesday, the committee announced that “Baby Shark” became a promotional ambassador for the 2030 Busan World Expo.

The shark-inspired animation character was named as the fifth PR ambassador by the Busan Expo bidding committee and Busan Metropolitan City following “Squid Game” star Lee Jung-jae, virtual influencer Rozy, BTS, and soprano Sumi Jo.

The Baby Shark series, known for the hit children’s song “Baby Shark Dance”, was created by Pinkfong Company in 2016.

The animated choreography video for “Baby Shark Dance” became the first YouTube video to break 10 billion views.

The PR ambassador appointment ceremony will take place on Wednesday. A 45-second teaser of an animation video set in Busan will be played during the ceremony, according to the bidding committee. The full version is to be released in April.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]