BUSAN – Environmentally friendly cars, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles, were one of the most common themes that domestic and foreign automakers promoted at the 2016 Busan International Motor Show, which on Friday opened to the public at BEXCO in Busan for a 10-day run until June 12.

This direction was expected as regulatory authorities are trying to reduce benefits offered to diesel car owners to cut emissions and improve air quality. 

Consumer demand for eco-cars has been increasing since the emissions rigging scandal involving Volkswagen diesel cars last October.

“I came to the Busan motor show for the first time to compare hybrid cars before purchasing a hybrid car as my first car,” said Kwon Min-jung, who is looking into the smart car lineup of Toyota at the motor show.

Kia spearheaded in terms of green-car lineup. The automaker debuted the plug-in hybrid version of the K5 midsize sedan as a world premiere, and the plug-in Telluride SUV concept.

Its sister automaker Hyundai also showcased its green car platform Ioniq-based compact sedans. GM Korea introduced its Volt plug-in hybrid, which will be on sale in Korea in the latter part of this year.

Among foreign cars, Japanese cars were the most active in presenting eco-friendly cars, with Toyota lining up eight smart and green cars, including its all-new Prius hybrid and Mirai fuel cell car.

Besides green cars, carmakers also showcased sport utility vehicles at the biennial motor show in Busan, including premium SUVs.

Foreign luxury carmakers such as Maserati, Bently, Jaguar Land Rover launched their first SUVs, the Levante, the Bentayga and the F-Pace, respectively, at the motor show.

Among SUVs for the mass market, Renault Samsung Motors came up with its all-new SUV QM6, fully revamped from the QM5 SUV, to debut in the latter part of this year. The QM6, will be produced at its Busan plant for export starting late this year.

According to the motor show’s organizing committee, 25 domestic and international carmakers are running booths at the motor show and exhibiting 232 models, including 45 concept, upgraded and fully revamped cars.

This year, unlike previous motor shows, many carmakers are also running promotional and car-related cultural events outside of the venue to allow visitors and potential customers easier access to their vehicles.

By Seo Jee-yeon (jyseo@heraldcorp.com)