Eco Cars, SUVs Take Center Stage at Busan Motor Show

The Busan International Motor show kicked off at BEXCO in the port city on Thursday with a media day ahead of the official opening.

The motor show, which is held every two years, runs until June 17 and sees 19 carmakers showcase 203 models. This year's event is the largest ever featuring 3,076 booths including parts and accessories makers.

Reflecting global trends, it features 44 eco-friendly cars, accounting for 22 percent of all.

BMW unveiled its i8 plug-in hybrid with an impressive maximum power output of 374 horsepower and acceleration from zero to 100 km in just 4.6 seconds.

Nissan unveiled a prototype of its BladeGlider zero-emission car and the X-Trail SUV set to hit showrooms in Korea in the second half of this year. All Lexus’ eight new models are hybrids, while Toyota also unveils a hybrid version of its Avalon sedan.

Hyundai showcases its concept EV Le Fil Rouge, which it unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Hyundai features the Nexo fuel-cell vehicle, Kona electric compact SUV and high-performance Veloster N.

Kia is exhibiting the Niro SUV among its 22 models, while Renault Samsung showcases the Twizy ultra-compact car and Clio small hatchback.

Ailing GM Korea and Audi, which was slapped with a sales ban until last month due to an emissions-rigging scandal, aim to use the latest motor show to ramp up sales. GM Korea shows off its Equinox midsize SUV and will launch the Traverse SUV in Korea.

Audi unveiled its A8 self-driving car as well as the Q5 and Q2 SUVs.