An In-Depth Look at New Car Releases for 2009/2010

The outlook of the Korean auto industry is certainly bright as it prepares to be bombarded with a wave of new car launches in the coming months. It is indicative that while American automakers are facing the nadir of their times, the devastating slump has not affected the ambitious Korean companies that are enjoying sales successes both in their home market and abroad. Continue reading for the EXCLUSIVE in-depth look at new car releases in Korea for 2009 and 2010.


To kick off the summer car bonanza in Korea, Kia is readying the domestic launch of the automaker's first 2-door coupe, Forte Koup. To be unveiled next week on the 11th, the Forte Koup will feature the same 1.6L and 2.0L powertrains as its four-door sibling and will be priced nearly on par with it. Intriguingly, the "koup" will have equivalent insurance premiums to its sedan counterpart. The Forte Koup will go on sale next month.

Renault Samsung is preparing for the launch of its redesigned SM3 compact sedan. The current model, based on the Nissan Bluebird Sylphy, will be replaced by a larger model based on the new Renault Megane. Despite the significant increase in size, the New SM3 will receive major fuel economy improvements that will put the car at the top of its class. The SM3 will be available with either a 1.6L or 2.0L engine, mated to a CVT (continuously variable) transmission. Production has already begun last month, so look for the New SM3 to reach showrooms next month.

Hyundai will roll out updated versions of the i30 hatchback and Avante (Elantra) sedan for the 2010 model year. The i30 will receive minor equipment upgrades such as redesigned wheels, but the main highlight is the addition of a more powerful 2.0L Theta II 4-cylinder engine alike the 2010 Kia Forte. The Avante is slated to undergo its first facelift for the 2010 model year. Revisions and upgrades include a new front and rear fascia, black-bezel headlamps, intelligent DMB navigation, push-start button, and a blue Supervision dashboard cluster. The 2010 i30 will go on sale in July, while the revised Avante is slated for a late August release.

Hyundai will unveil the production model of the long-anticipated Avante (Elantra) LPI Hybrid on July 15th. The prototype already made its formal debut at the past Seoul International Motor Show. The automaker's first production hybrid car will run on LPG (liquified petroleum gas) and achieve an estimated fuel economy of 17.2km/L. Hyundai emphasizes affordability for the new hybrid technology, and will price the Avante LPI Hybrid around 20 million Won. Hyundai originally planned to begin sales of the hybrid this September, but has pulled the release date earlier to July 22nd.

Hyundai will continue its series of new debuts with the unveiling of the all-new Tucson (LM) this August. The compact crossover will bear the styling of the ix-onic Concept revealed earlier this year, a much needed departure from the aging design of the current model. In an effort to further distinguish the Tucson and the larger Santa Fe, the redesigned Tucson will only be available with four-cylinder engines. The state-of-the-art 2.2L R diesel engine, co-developed between Hyundai and Kia, will also make its way into the Tucson.

This coming September will be hotly anticipated as Hyundai will formally unveil the sleeker, redesigned Sonata (YF). The new Sonata features a more rakish, 4-door coupe design, and will pack a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. The new Sonata will reach American shores in February 2010.

In the same month, GM Daewoo will release the local market version of the Chevrolet Spark, badged as the Matiz (M300). The prototype was already unveiled at the last Seoul International Motor Show and changes are only going to be a few. The new Matiz will be a radical departure from the current model, which is essentially a reskined version of the original model that debuted in 1998.

Kia Motors will officially unveil its new premium sport sedan, code-named "VG", in late November this year. The "VG" made its concept debut as the KND-5 Concept at the last Seoul International Motor Show. Penned by Kia's design guru Peter Schreyer, the "VG" will slot below the Opirus/Amanti and be available in three powertrain options (est. 2.4L, 2.7L, and 3.5L V6). The "VG" will also be sold in North American markets early next year.

Kia Motors also plans to take the wraps off its "YN" compact MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) this coming December. Launched in concept guise as the No3 Concept at the last Geneva Motor Show, the MPV received garnered spectacular press and public praise for its stunning design and slick practicality. Unfortunately, Kia will market the "YN" exclusively within the European market.

Other Launches & Beyond 2009

Hyundai Equus Limousine: October/November 2009
Renault Samsung SM5 (Laguna-based): December 2009
Kia Lotze/Optima (TF): April 2010
Hyundai Grandeur (HG): May 2010
Ssangyong C200: 1st half of 2010 (Delayed from initial release date of September 2009)
Hyundai Sonata (YF) Hybrid/Kia Lotze (TF) Hybrid: 2nd half of 2010
Hyundai Santa Fe (DM): June 2010
Kia Opirus/Amanti (CH): September 2010
Kia Pride/Rio (UB): November 2010
Kia Morning/Picanto (JA): December 2010

Korea: Ssangyong releases 3.2L V6 Chairman W

Ssangyong Motors has commenced sales of the 3.2L V6 variant of the company's flagship Chairman W sedan. Initially available with either a 3.6L V6 or a 5.0L V8, the Chairman W has been struggling in the sales charts, which triggered Ssangyong to broaden its potential market base. While the 3.6L and 5.0L variants are badged as CW700, the 3.2L version will be tagged as CW600.

The CW600 will pack many luxurious amenities found on higher trim levels such as a Mercedes Benz-sourced 7-speed automatic transmission, Harman-Kardon Entertainment System, Driver Information System (DIS), voice-activated navigation system with 8-inch touch screen, knee airbag, and touch-sensitive smart key.

The Chairman W CW600 competes with Hyundai's Genesis BH330. Thw CW600 Luxury is priced at 51 million Won (USD$47,144) and the CW600 Prestige is priced at 54.9 million Won (USD$50,749).

[Source: Bobaedream (Korean)]

Continue reading to view one more image.

Brazil: Ssangyong sales grow 1873% in June

Ssangyong Brazil reported a staggering 1,873% jump in sales for June 2008, compared to June of 2007. The brand sold 750 units from January to June 2008, while it sold only 38 units in the same period last year. In June only, Ssangyong sold 182 units of its sport-utility vehicles. It sold 11 units in the same month last year.

[Source: Gazeta Mercantil]

Ireland: Ssangyong launches Rexton II SUV

The second-generation Ssangyong Rexton has landed on Irish shores as the Rexton II today. Ssangyong describes the car as "a renewed elegance and grandeur, while maintaining the essential elements that Rexton is so renowned for." It is priced from €44,995 for the RX 2.7 XDI 165 bhp, 7 Seater. An automatic transmission adds €3,000 more.

The Rexton II has been on sale for a while in many other European countries. Standard items in the Irish-spec Rexton II include 7 seats, automatic climate control, Torque on Demand (TOD), Traction Control System, Electronic Stability Control, power folding mirrors and four airbags. The base model is propelled by a XDI 270 engine that produces 165 bhp. The Sports model is equipped with the same engine, but produces 186 bhp. The Sports model adds the aforementioned 186 bhp engine, leather-trimmed interior, permanent AWD, LED instrument clusters, and a rear spoiler.

The Rexton II RX 2.7 XDI (165 bhp) starts at €44,995. Coupling the T-Tronic 5-speed automatic transmission brings up the price to €47,995. The RX 2.7 XDI (186 bhp & leather and auto) starts at €54,995.

[Source: Athlone Advertiser]

Korea: April 2008 Sales

The numbers have been released and yet again, Hyundai has claimed 51.7% of the sales this month in South Korea. The Hyundai Sonata topped the charts with 12 187 units sold - a 0.3% decrease.

Second and third positions went to the Hyundai Avante (Elantra) and Hyundai Grandeur (Azera) respectively. Despite dropping 25.4%, the Kia Morning (Picanto) slotted fourth. Eighth in the ranks went to the Hyundai Genesis, while the Kia Lotze (Optima) leaped 83%, landing at 9th. Other laudable mentions go to the Kia Carens (Rondo), which experienced a 53.4% jump in sales from last month.

On the other side of the scale, the Ssangyong Rodius was ranked 43rd with 151 units sold. Placing last was the GM Daewoo G2X - a rebadged Saturn Sky - in which only 5 units were sold this month.

Hit "Read more" to view the full sales chart.

Ssangyong posts losses for Q1, lacklustre SUV sales to blame

Ssangyong Motor Co., the South Korean unit of China's Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., said Friday it swung to a net loss for the first-quarter of this year as customers shunned its sport-utility vehicles on rising diesel prices. Ssangyong Motor lost 34 billion won (US$34 million) for the three months ended March 31, compared with a profit of 9.3 billion won for the same period a year earlier, the company said in a statement.

Ssangyong Motor specializes in diesel-powered SUVs such as its Rexton and Kyron models. As diesel prices in South Korea are nearly matching those of gasoline, Ssangyong Motor vehicles are losing their competitive edge, analysts say. First-quarter sales fell 18.7 percent from a year earlier to 677.6 billion won, Ssangyong Motor said. Ssangyong Motor posted a first-quarter operating loss of 27.6 billion won, compared with a profit of 27.9 billion won a year earlier, the company said.

[Source: Trading Markets]

Ssangyong to unveil Chairman W in mid-March

Ssangyong's current flagship sedan, the Chairman, had received negative reviews from the press and past owners. When you couple the fact that the car sits on Mercedes-Benz's aging W124 platform, and its mediocre and derivative styling, the Chairman really offers no advantages over its rivals.

The automaker has issued a statement regarding the release date of the anticipated Chairman-replacement today. To be badged as the Chairman W (pictured above), the car will feature an industry-first (South Korean) 5.0L V8 that is speculated to produce over 350 horsepower. Another industry-first accomplishment Ssangyong offers in the car is a Mercedes-Benz sourced 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The Chairman W will sit on an all-new platform. Spec-wise, the Chairman W has beaten the Hyundai Genesis in a number of areas already. However, to every seemingly-great deal, there is always a catch. Ssangyong plans to break the 100 million Won mark ($105 000 USD) for a loaded model, which means the Chairman W will compete with more high-end vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A8.

The Chairman W will become the most expensive Korean-produced vehicle with its 100 million Won price tag. Currently, the one that holds the record is the Hyundai Equus 4.5L Limousine. It stickers for 90.78 million Won. Other outstanding features the car is equipped with include 4-Tronic 4-wheel drive system, Harman-Kardon premium audio system, ten airbags, and Active Cruise Control.

Even though the bounty of features are appealing to the least, we wonder how the Chairman W will actually fare in the heated luxury-car segment when it goes on sale in March. The Chairman marque has already gained considerable status in its domestic market. However, it is the first time Ssangyong has extrapolated into the segment long dominated by the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Will they be able to pull it off? We think Ssangyong will trek through treacherous grounds ahead. What do you think? Tell us via commenting after the jump.

[Source: Maeil Business]

Ssangyong Wz Concept sport sedan to debut in Seoul

The Seoul International Motor Show will kick off on April 6th Korean time (April 5th in US) in Ilsan, South Korea, just 30km east of Seoul. Hyundai plans to debut the domestic variant of the i30 hatchback and also the wagon variant, which is confirmed to go on sale in the US someitme in 2008. Kia will debut the anticipated "HM" full-size SUV, based on the Mesa Concept, and also the KND-4 Concept. GM Daewoo will debut the L4X sedan, a rebadged Holden WM Caprice. The G2X, a rebadged Saturn Sky, will also be released for the Korean market. Ssangyong will debut the heavily-facelifted Kyron SUV and a new sport sedan concept called the "Wz'.

The first images of Ssangyong's sports sedan concept Wz, were released today. "The Wz packs the flagship Chairman's ultra-luxurious environment, while keeping Ssangyong's excellence in design and engineering," quoted Ssangyong.
"Wz enters into a new field, parting from its traditional SUV designs, and emphasizes Ssangyong's excellence in luxury."

[Source: BobaeDream]

UPDATE: The article was edited as more information became available to us. More images including a rear-view shot were also provided courtesy of AutoSpy.net.

Continued- Article, more images

The Wz name stands for World Class, World Standard, World Premium Zenith. The Wz also packs many essential safety features. Adaptive Cruise Control(ACC), Around Monitoring System(AMS), Lane Departure Warning System(LDWS), Electronic Self-Levelling Air Suspension, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS). The Wz rides on an AWD chassis for maximum driving control.