friendly cars, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles, were one of the most common themes that domestic and foreign automakers promoted at the 10-day 2016 Busan International Motor Show at BEXCO in Busan for a 10-day run until June 12. This direction was expected as regulatory authorities are trying to reduce benefits offered to diesel car owners to cut emissions and improve air quality. The show features 25 domestic and foreign brands, an increase of 14% compared to 2014, and the total square footage of display by the participating companies has also increased 14%. World premieres showcased in the event are 5 vehicles from 4 brands including 3 vehicles by Hyundai Motors including Genesis, a brand Hyundai Motors is launching for the first time as an independent brand, and 1 vehicle for Man Truck which will be displayed at Busan Motor Show for the first time by Kia Motors. In addition, Asian premieres include 5 vehicles including Kia Motors and GM Korea, and Korean premieres include 36 vehicles including Renault Samsung and BMW. Various other events are simultaneously held in many venues all over the city of Busan in addition to Bexco this year. Such various events include test drives for new vehicles and electric vehicles, 4X4 off-road contest and test drive, Yamaha small two-wheel vehicle test drive for children, and movie night at an outdoor drive-in theater. Consumer demand for eco-cars has been increasing since the emissions rigging scandal involving Volkswagen diesel cars last October. "I came to the Busan motor show for the first time to compare hybrid cars before purchasing a hybrid car as my first car," said Kwon Min-jung, who is looking into the smart car lineup of Toyota at the motor show. Kia spearheaded in terms of green-car lineup. The automaker debuted the plug-in hybrid version of the K5 midsize sedan as a world premiere, and the plug-in Telluride SUV concept. Its sister automaker Hyundai also showcased its green car platform Ioniq-based compact sedans. GM Korea introduced its Volt plug-in hybrid, which will be on sale in Korea in the latter part of this year. — SG/Agencies
