[Opinion] The Busan Motor Show

The Frankfurt Motor Show, the first motor show that began in 1897, is still the top rated motor show in terms of size. The Paris Motor Show that opens early October in the years that end with an even number attracted 1.46 million people in 2004, the largest number of participants ever. Autumn is the ideal season for motor shows to bring attention to new cars that are going to be put on the market the next year. It is true that it is hard to see scores of cars, but sitting in a new car feels great.

All the annual and biennial motor shows have their own unique characteristics. The Torino Motor show is well known for design, the Essen motor show for uniqueness, and the Chicago motor show for tradition. The four major motor shows include the shows in Detroit, Frankfurt, Paris, and Tokyo. The fifth leading show is the Geneva Motor Show of Switzerland that does not even manufacture cars. Befitting its name, “World Cars’ Showroom,” the Geneva Motor Show displayed as many as 80 kinds of cars last year.

The Busan Motor Show opens on April 28 and lasts until May 7. The Busan Motor Show 2006 is the third show following the first in 2001 and the second in 2003. A total of 171 companies, including component manufacturing companies from 10 participating countries and 148 kinds of cars such as new cars, environmentally-friendly cars and concept cars, are displayed. Seoul first initiated the motor show. Seoul and Busan take turns in hosting its motor shows. Both motor shows should develop into ones that befit the reputation of Korea, the fifth largest car-manufacturing country. Proving that motors shows can be held in provinces is in line with the balanced regional development. Motor shows are much better than reckless development projects that turn the entire country into speculative land.

Hyundai Motors exhibited “Avante HD,” and KIA showed Sportage fuel cell cars. Participants will comment on cars surrounding beautiful companion girls. “Hyundai manufactures these good cars and exports well. Why did it rock the boat when everything goes well?” They may worry about Chairman Chung Mong-koo of Hyundai Automotive Group, his son, Eui-sun, president of Kia Motors and the fall in the brand value of “Hyundai.” Foreign competitors may look forward to the chance to overtake Hyundai.

Hong Kwon-hui, Editorial Writer, konihong@donga.com