Environmentally-friendly vehicles took center stage at the Busan International Motor Show that opened with a press preview Thursday.
The diesel cars that used to dominate were almost absent after a series of emissions-rigging scandals and growing concerns about air pollution here.
The expo runs until June 12 and showcases around 30 models by 25 automakers from around the world. Their number has increased 14 percent compared to the previous motor show held in the southern port city.
Hyundai showcased an electric version of its hybrid Ioniq that can travel up to 191 km on a single charge. Hyundai executive Kwon Moon-sik, told reporters on Wednesday that the automaker aims to become the world’s No. 2 maker of green cars with 28 hybrid models within the next four years.
Affiliate Kia unveiled the K5 PHEV and K7 hybrids. The plug-in hybrid vehicles are powered by rechargeable batteries and shift to a gasoline engine only when the battery runs out.
Park Sa-lim, Seoul
