Hyundai Motor Officially Launches Entry SUV 'Casper'

First Online Sales Introduction in Domestic Automotive Industry
From Information Search to Payment on 'Casper Online'

Full-Scale On-Offline Marketing Launch
Untact Showroom Utilizing Augmented Reality and Voicebot

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] Hyundai Motor Company officially launched its first compact sports utility vehicle (SUV), the 'Casper,' on the 29th.

Hyundai Motor held an online launch event called ‘Casper Premier’ on the same day and announced the start of full-scale sales.

The Casper is Hyundai’s first vehicle sold directly to customers (D2C) online in Korea, allowing customers to explore vehicle information and complete purchases in one stop on the dedicated website 'Casper Online.'

On the website, users can check prices, specifications, and optional features by trim, and by selecting individual specification names, they can receive detailed explanations through images or videos.

For customers unfamiliar with online platforms, traditional physical catalog-style image files are also uploaded.

Through a 3D configurator, customers can view the interior and exterior designs of the vehicle with real-time application of each specification, and receive recommended specifications based on age and gender using big data from vehicle deliveries.

When signing a contract, electronic signatures can be made using KakaoTalk and joint certificates, and customers can directly cancel or change contracts on the webpage afterward.

After completing vehicle payment, customers are informed of the expected delivery date and can check the delivery status after the vehicle is shipped.

Vehicles can be picked up at over 200 designated Bluehands and accessory installation franchise stores nationwide, either at locations specified by the customer or official delivery centers.

Additionally, customers can choose an e-registration service that processes registration online or a paid registration agency service for those who find direct registration difficult.

For vehicle services, the same service network (direct service centers and Bluehands) used for other Hyundai models is available, and the warranty period is operated identically.

The sales prices are ▲Smart 13.85 million KRW ▲Modern 15.9 million KRW ▲Inspiration 18.7 million KRW.

The base model is equipped with a 1.0 MPI engine, delivering a maximum output of 76 PS (horsepower), maximum torque of 9.7 kgf·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 14.3 km/ℓ.

The optional ‘Casper Active’ features a 1.0 turbo engine with a maximum output of 100 PS, maximum torque of 17.5 kgf·m, and combined fuel efficiency of 12.8 km/ℓ.

There are also special benefits.

To minimize the economic burden when purchasing a Casper, representative benefits include the ‘CASPER Specialized Installment Plan’ with daily payments in the 3,000 KRW range over 120 months, a CASPER-exclusive card that enhances rewards when buying a new car, and a used car residual value care service.

Additional benefits include vehicle accident care that exchanges the vehicle for a new one if an accident occurs within one year, selectable quality warranty care that varies warranty periods based on driving patterns, and free body care services for customers using the driving experience matching platform.

A display and test drive program where customers can directly check the actual vehicle is also prepared.

From today, the brand showroom ‘Casper Studio’ located in Yongin displays Casper vehicles in all colors and offers test drive services for various trims.

Customers can experience non-face-to-face tours using Augmented Reality (AR), AR exhibition guides, change exhibition car colors and specifications, and explore various space utilization and safety technologies.

An AI Casper voice bot that answers customer questions in the test drive vehicles is also installed, enabling free exploration of vehicle information.

Hyundai Motor will sequentially open 29 permanent showrooms nationwide, starting with the Yongin brand showroom.

At the Seongsu and Haeundae Casper Studios, customers can see all colors of Casper along with various customization products such as outdoor and storage items, and also experience test drives.

Additionally, lifestyle-oriented exhibition spaces where Casper can be easily encountered in everyday places such as the coffee specialty store TERAROSA and various large marts will be operated.

Furthermore, Hyundai Motor collaborates with the car-sharing platform Socar to operate a ‘Socar Car-sharing Test Drive’ service, allowing Casper test drives at Socar zones nationwide.

From mid-October, Casper test drives will also be available at 28 driving lounges nationwide.

Various online marketing activities also attract attention.

Hyundai Motor has added purchasing functions to its official Instagram channel (about_Hyundai), produced and sold limited edition collaboration goods in partnership with various brands including the record culture-based design group ‘Compact Record Bar’ and online fashion edit shop ‘29CM,’ among other marketing activities.

For about a month, the dedicated online live channel Casper TV will operate as a full-fledged customer communication broadcast, airing various programs such as live talks with developers through chat functions, live Q&A sessions with viewers, and real-time streaming of showroom vehicle videos.

Alongside this, various video contents related to Casper, including designer interviews, influencer content, and collaboration stories, will also be broadcast.

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