Seoul Motor Show: GM Korea, Ssangyong sketch out future plans

South Korea's automakers came under the spotlight March 31 on the first press day of the Seoul International Auto Show, with GM Korea and Ssangyong unveiling new models and plans in a bid to catch Hyundai and Kia.

GM Korea, making its first major announcement since dropping the Daewoo name earlier this year, showcased a new concept car, the Miray, promising that it was the future of the brand.

The hybrid car is designed in the tradition of muscle cars such as the Corvair Monza and Super Spyder, with sporty touches such as the carbon fibre spoiler, dual cockpit and Le Mans racer-style vertical (scissor) doors, making the model one of the most eye-catching of the show.

It will also be introducing several other vehicles at the show, many of them already commonplace on Western roads such as the Aveo, Camaro, Corvette and its new SUV, the Captiva.

Ssangyong, itself struggling with a new identity after being purchased by Indian automotive giant Mahindra & Mahindra last year, is showing ten cars on its stand, many of which could soon be available in overseas markets as part of a plan to boost sales.

In keeping with the show's theme of "Green Revolution on Wheels," Ssangyong showcased two electric concepts, the KEV-2 and KEV-2 CUV, electrified versions of its Korando compact SUV.

Both are said to be headed for production at some point at the future, although nothing official has been confirmed by the automaker.

One larger-than-life model which definitely will be on the roads before long was the Chairman W Summit, a new, super luxury version of its huge sedan which is a favourite of South Korean limousine firms.

The Seoul International Motor Show is open to the public April 1 - 10 in Seoul, Korea.

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