Both Mercedes-Benz and Renault will miss this year’s Busan International Motor Show in Korea.
The Busan event is one of the most important car shows in the country and in 2018, less than 19 brands took part, including 11 foreign car manufacturers. This year, only six brands have confirmed their participation in the event.
“Car makers are now leaning towards online and larger events such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and other big motor shows, but they are inactive about participating in the domestic expo,” said an official of the show’s organizing committee. Korea Times. “So we are trying to change the expo from a traditional exhibition so that the visitors get more experience with the vehicle so that it is more attractive to the public.”
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Mercedes-Benz has said it will not participate in this year’s event because it does not fit its current direction.
“We tend to take part in events that fit our ideas and directions,” said the carmaker. “Last year, we participated in the Seoul International Motor Show and unveiled our electrification strategy. However, to make up for our absence, we are planning to organize a number of CSR events and other events in Busan. ”
Renault blamed his absence on “financial difficulties” and said it would “do our best to attend the next event.”
Talking to Korea TimesThe Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association acknowledges that the automotive industry and motor shows are undergoing rapid change.
“The automotive industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, both here and abroad, with exhibitions and marketing changes accelerating due to the COVID-19 epidemic and the motor show going through a transition period,” the association said. “Since the motor show is still the ‘flower’ of the car industry, it is an important place where brands and consumers meet, so both show organizers and brands are seeking change.”
