The First Domestic New Year's Car is the 'GV80'... Continuing the SUV Boom in the Car Market

Next Week 'Trailblazer' Also Launching
About 10 Models Scheduled for Release by Year-End

Genesis GV80

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Domestic automakers are unveiling sports utility vehicles (SUVs) as their first new cars of the new year. The Genesis 'GV80' and Korea GM's 'Trailblazer,' which have attracted attention since last year, are set to make their debut next week. With about 10 more SUV models scheduled for release by the end of the year, the golden age of SUVs is expected to continue this year.

According to the industry on the 10th, Hyundai Motor Company will officially launch the Genesis GV80 by holding a new car presentation on the 15th. The GV80 is the first SUV of Hyundai's luxury brand Genesis and a large rear-wheel-drive-based SUV. The presentation will reveal the actual vehicle along with design, product, and marketing strategies. The GV80 was first introduced as a concept car in New York, USA, in 2017, and the pre-released design shows that Genesis's unique 'G-Matrix' is applied throughout the interior and exterior. Technologically, it is equipped with AI-based intelligent cruise control and active road noise reduction technology to compete with luxury SUVs from the German Big Three. The industry expects the GV80's starting price to be around 60 million KRW.

Korea GM will unveil the Trailblazer over two days, on the 16th and 17th. The Trailblazer is produced at the Bupyeong plant in Incheon and is also exported. The size of the Trailblazer is larger than the small SUV Chevrolet Trax but smaller than the Equinox, and it is expected to compete with models like the Tucson.

According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association, last year, domestic sales of SUVs by five domestic automakers reached 575,662 units. This is a 10.7% increase from the previous year (519,883 units), marking an all-time high. In contrast, total domestic vehicle sales were 1,533,166 units, a 0.8% decrease from the previous year. The SUV share reached 44.5%. This means that more than 4 out of every 10 cars sold last year were SUVs.

Korea GM Trailblazer

Riding on the popularity of SUVs, domestic automakers are focusing on expanding their lineups and are expected to release about 10 models this year alone. Hyundai plans to introduce a facelifted Santa Fe in the first half of the year and a completely redesigned Tucson and facelifted Kona in the second half. Kia aims to continue its reputation as an SUV powerhouse with a completely redesigned Sorento in the first half and a completely redesigned Sportage in the second half. Renault Samsung, which has been struggling due to frequent strikes caused by labor disputes, is also seeking a breakthrough with SUVs. The coupe-style SUV 'XM3' is scheduled for release in the first quarter, and a complete redesign of the QM3 is also expected in the first half.

An industry insider said, "The popularity of SUVs shows no signs of cooling, and the automakers are focusing on expanding their SUV lineups. Starting with the GV80 this year, new models in previously unseen segments as well as popular models are lined up for release, so the growth trend of the SUV market will continue."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.