The Solati is equipped with a 2.5-liter diesel engine with an output of 170 horsepower, and employs more high-tensile steel plates to show stable driving performance with innovative exterior design. (image: Hyundai Motor)
SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Korea Bizwire) – Hyundai Motor is set to officially roll out its Solati minibus in Korea. The 15-seat minibus can be used efficiently as a business shuttle or as a school bus for private educational institutes.
The Hyundai Solati, or Hyundai H350, is a European-style commercial minivan, sized between the 12-seater Starex and the larger County Bus, with a semi-bonnet arrangement. Its name is derived from the Latin word for comfort.
Hyundai expects that the Solati will be used as a minibus to transport hotel guests, corporate customers, or students. It can also be remodeled into a recreational vehicle for camping.
The Solati is equipped with a 2.5-liter diesel engine with an output of 170 horsepower, and employs more high-tensile steel plates to show stable driving performance with innovative exterior design.
Prior to its roll-out in Korea, Hyundai Motor has been accepting pre-orders since June 15, and has received approximately 400 orders to date.
Hyundai began producing the Solati last May in Turkey. Hyundai’s Turkish partner Karsan Pazarlama is now producing three models of Solati, a minibus, van and truck, under a complete knock-down (CKD) arrangement. Hyundai aims to expand its exports to Europe and to compete with European minivan models like Mercedes-Benz’s Sprinter and Ford’s Transit.
An official at Hyundai said, “Solati is equipped with global competitiveness based on its astonishing commercial value. The model will be used in various purposes in and out of Korea including Europe.”
By John Choi (johnchoi@koreabizwire.com)
