South Korean automakers brace themselves for a contest with their American rivals at the North American International Auto Show, better known as the ``2008 Detroit Motor Show,'' which kicked off with a press preview on Sunday to run until Jan. 27.
A total of 72 carmakers from around the world including the U.S. ``Big 3'' ― General Motors (GM), Ford and Chrysler ― and three South Korean major players ― Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors and GM Daewoo Auto & Technology ― will join the famous auto fair.
While the two-week fair will show the latest global trends in the automobile industry, the American players, which have been in an uphill battle against their Japanese and European rivals, are expected to launch a large-scale counterattack.
GM, for example, is unveiling the ``Saab 9-4X'' BioPower concept, an all-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, powered by bio-ethanol (E85 ethanol).
GM is also introducing the 2009 ``Chevrolet Corvette ZR1,'' which boasts more than 620 horsepower and more than 595 lb-ft of torque, and the ``Hummer HX'' concept designed by Kang Min-young, a 33-year-old South Korean woman.
Ford also shows an upscale version of the new ``Ford Flex,'' a mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV), its market-leading ``F-150'' pickups and another small-sized concept to be introduced into the North American market next year.
Chrysler, for its part, introduces three up-to-date, eco-friendly concepts of the ``Jeep Renegade,'' ``Dodge Zeo'' and ``Chrysler ecoVoyager'' minivan. The Dodge ZEO is a station wagon that runs only on electricity from a lithium-ion battery.
South Korean Challenges
Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors, the major carmakers in South Korea which together form the world's sixth largest automotive group, are also looking for a chance to steal the limelight with their own new models.
Hyundai Motor, the country's largest automaker, secured a 1,011-square-meter space at the exhibition center to show its latest vehicles including the ``Genesis'' luxury sedan, which was officially introduced on the domestic market on Jan. 8.
Developed as the firm's first foray into the upscale market dominated by Japanese and German rivals such as Toyota Motor's Lexus and BMW AG, the Genesis has models with 3.3, 3.8 or 4.6-liter engines and is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
``We think highly of the auto show since the Genesis will be introduced to the North American market this June,'' a company spokesman said. Hyundai Motor also plans to show the ``Genesis Coupe'' concept, developed under the project name ``BK.''
Kia Motors, which also launched the ``Mohave'' at home early this month, displays the large-size SUV, which will hit the North American showrooms from this summer under the name ``Borrego.''
GM Daewoo also shows small trio concepts of the ``Beat,'' ``Groove'' and ``Trax'' as well as mass-production models such as the ``Gentra'' and ``Gentra X'' sedans, which are sold in the U.S. as the ``Chevrolet Aveo'' and ``Chevrolet Aveo 5,'' respectively.
Contest of Pride
One of the most prominent auto shows held in the world's largest automobile market, the Detroit Motor Show, marking its the 20th anniversary is an arena for a contest of pride among global leaders, with a total of 28 concept cars set to make their debut.
BMW plans to unveil the new ``BMW 1 Series Convertible'' and the ``BMW X6,'' the first four-door sports activity coupe (SAC) based on the ``X5'' luxury SUV model, according to the German automaker.
Mercedes-Benz, for its part, is showing the ``Vision GLK Freeside'' concept, a compact crossover vehicle that will be produced in its U.S. factory from the middle of this year to compete head-to-head with the ``BMW X3'' and upcoming ``Audi Q5.''
Toyota will also exhibit the all-new 2009 ``Venza,'' which the Japanese carmaker describes as a ``crossover sedan,'' as well as the ``A-BAT'' compact pickup truck and the ``Forum'' minivan concept at the Detroit Motor Show.
Audi AG, a German luxury carmaker, will show the ``R8 V12 TDI'' concept and the top-of-the-line ``TTS'' model, a performance-focused version of the TT sports car which hit the road 10 years ago.
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