South Korea's four automakers are set to participate in the eighth biennial Beijing International Motor Show, which will kick off a three-day run on Wednesday in the Chinese capital, industry sources said Monday. "In order to occupy the Chinese car market, the world's fastest-growing auto market, each Korean carmaker is preparing a variety of marketing activities for the event," a source said. Hyundai Motor Co. (KSE:005380), South Korea's largest automaker, will display 10 models, such as its entry sedan EF Sonata, sports coupe Tuscani, limousine Equus and four-seater concept coupe HCD-8. Notably, Hyundai will launch its entry-level sport utility vehicle (SUV) Tucson at the event ahead of the beginning of its Beijing operations' production of the model scheduled for December. Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai Motor's affiliate, will exhibit seven automobiles, including its best-seller compact Qianlima, high-end sedan Opirus, SUV Sorento and hardtop open concept car KCVlll. The company is to introduce a new version of its Carnival minivan to Chinese customers during the auto show to begin sales of the vehicle. Company officials said the nine-seat minivan will also be produced at the company's Chinese joint venture, Dongfeng Yueda Kia Motors Co. Ssangyong Motors Corp. (KSE:003620), Korea's No. 4 carmaker, will show five vehicles, mostly SUVs, and hold a launching event for its new SUV-style minivan Rodius. The Rodius will be one of the company's three main exports to the Chinese auto market, along with the New Chairman deluxe sedan and New Rexton SUV, according to Ssangyong officials. GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co., the No. 3 Korean carmaker under the control of U.S. auto giant General Motors, will display its Lacetti compact, called Buick Excelle in China, at the show. - Source from Yonhap News (Jun 7, 2004) -