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Several foreign carmakers are set to release new and improved models in Korea in the second half of this year. They're expected to cost the same as or even less than existing models, which could attract buyers away from domestic cars.
Korea's carmakers, on the other hand, have almost no new cars coming out before the end of the year.
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Ford's new Taurus sedan, left, and the new C-class sedan from Mercedes-Benz
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Ford and Honda are expected to do well in mid- to low-priced mid-sized sedans, as they release upgraded models that are priced the same or even lower than existing ones.
Ford will introduce its new Taurus later this month. With a 3.5-liter, 268 horsepower engine, the car will sell for around W38 million to W39 million.
Honda's mid-sized Accord sedan should be on the streets by late October. The car has been completely revamped both inside and out. It's also bigger with higher performance.
The 2.4-liter model has a max output of 180 HP, up from 170, and the 3-liter sedan has been enhanced to 3.5-liters and 270 HP. The price will be W34.9 million and W39.4 million, respectively, not much of a change from what they cost now.
Mercedes-Benz and Nissan have plans to roll out high-end and sports cars. Mercedes' mid-sized C-class sedan, coming out in October, is aimed at young 30-something customers. It's seen a major upgrade in size and performance but will cost less than the existing model, in the low W40 million range.
Nissan's Infiniti G37 Coupe sports car will hit the market later this month at a cost of over W55 million. Saab will also introduce its new 9-3 sports sedan in September, costing some W36 million, ten million less than the older model.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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