2016 Korean Automakers New Model Launch Plans
2015 was a good year for Korean automakers, as sales target were met in the domestic market.
While it would be easy to rest on those laurels, plans have already been out in place for 2016.
The goal this year is to not just match what was done in 2015, but to try and eclipse those already impressive sales numbers.
In order to reach those lofty goals, new vehicles will be released to the buying public.
Let’s take a look at what Hyundai, Kia, Renault Samsusng, GM Korea and Ssangyong Motors have lined up for the Korean market.
Hyundai
Ioniq: We have already been given a sneak peek at the all-new hybrid from Hyundai, which will be their first dedicated hybrid model to date. Make no mistake about it, Hyundai are going out to topple the Toyota Prius, which has been dominating the segment for a decade now.
Hyundai’s goal is to sell 30,000 units this year, with that projection expanded to 62,000 overseas and 15,000 domestically in 2017.
Grandeur: The premium sedan is going to get a full makeover this year, and will be released in the second half of 2016. The Grandeur will also be sold in the US towards the end of the year, although it will be known as the Azera in that market.
Genesis G80: Hyundai will also launch an upgraded version of its existing second-generation Genesis sedan under its new name, the G80, in the second half. This full-size luxury sedan will be included under the automaker’s new luxury brand Genesis, which successfully rolled out its flagship EQ900 sedan last month.
The refreshed G80 sedan will boast enhanced styling, improved ride and handling and more advanced safety features.
Kia
K7: Kia is entering 2016 with the launch of the all new 2017 K7 premium sedan.
The second-generation K7, which is also known as Cadenza in the USA, has been fully changed from its predecessor, which debuted seven years ago.
This new Kia premium sedan is even more interesting to us Kia fans as its styling will influence many other Kia models coming to the market in the near future. You can find more details about the 2017 Kia K7 in our previous post here.
Mohave large SUV: In February, Kia will also launch an upgraded version of its large-size Mohave SUV, its first revamp in eight years. Though this isn’t a full redesign, the vehicle will receive quite significant improvements.
There will be some new styling tweaks made to the front and rear fascias, as well as the new diesel engine (metting stricter Euro 6 emission standards) fitted under the hood.
Niro hybrid: In the second half, Kia will also roll out the Niro hybrid, which is the automaker’s first dedicated hybrid SUV. It shares its core powertrain technology with the above-mentioned Hyundai Ioniq. The Niro will come in two versions, as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
Renault Samsung Motors
Renault Samsung Motors (RSM) has had a hard time attracting local consumers with its lack of fresh models, but it’s hoping that will change with the introduction of the new midsize SM6 sedan this week.
RSM will also debut its new midsize QM5 SUV in the third quarter.
GM Korea
GM Korea will continue to fight in the environmentally friendly car market with its second-generation Volt electric vehicle, scheduled for the second quarter.
Ssangyong Motor
Ssangyong Motor, which bounced back last year thanks to its popular new Tivoli SUV, will not have any new rides besides the long-body Tivoli model scheduled to meet local consumers in the first half.
