Did you know that the Busan International Motor Show is currently underway in Korea? Chances are, you probably didn’t, and that’s because this year’s event has proven to be a shell of its former self.
The event has long been shaping up to be quite different than in previous years. In May, both Mercedes-Benz and Renault announced that they would skip the event, despite having significant presences in Korea’s automotive market. The show has fallen out of favor for so many car manufacturers that just six brands from two automotive groups, consisting of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, as well as BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce, are currently showcasing their cars.
Korea Times notes that the Hyundai Motor Group has brought along the likes of the Ioniq 6 and Kia EV9 Concept to the event while BMW has showcased the 2-Series Active Tourer and Mini Electric.
Read Also: Mercedes-Benz And Renault Skipping Korea’s Busan Motor Show
While the car manufacturers who decided not to participate haven’t provided reasons why, an official from the car industry told Korea Times that organizers of the event need to make it more attractive.
“The Busan Metropolitan City Government, the organizer of the motor show, should focus on making it more attractive so that car brands are willing to take part in it,” the official said. “It takes billions of won when joining the event. Taking a look at globally famous motor shows in the world, they are trying to focus more on the electric car industry in order to keep attracting global car brands.”
The fall of the Busan International Motor Show has been fast. The 2018 edition attracted no less than 19 brands, including 11 foreign car manufacturers.
The lack of car makers at this event has prompted some information and communications technology companies to fill the void. One of these include SK Telecom that is developing a flying car service.
