This photo, provided by KG Mobility, shows the upgraded Tivoli SUV, released on June 1, 2023.
SEOUL, June 13 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean carmakers are increasingly choosing to facelift their existing models rather than develop entirely new vehicles amid the transition to electrification.
KG Mobility, formerly known as SsangYong Motor Co., recently released another facelifted version of the Tivoli SUV, which was originally launched in 2015.
This comes after the introduction of the first and second facelifted versions in 2017 and 2019, respectively.
The upgraded Tivoli features subtle changes in both the interior and exterior design, while the powertrain remains unchanged.
The G70 sedan, introduced by Hyundai Motor Co.’s luxury brand Genesis last month, also received a second facelift following its initial release in 2017.
The newly released G70 retains a similar appearance to its predecessor, with only minor modifications to the interior design and the addition of the new Genesis emblem on the exterior.
The primary reason why domestic carmakers continually prioritize facelifts is the decreasing motivation to develop new models, as traditional internal combustion engine models are gradually being phased out.
With a need to concentrate on the development of new electric vehicles, domestic carmakers are choosing to refresh less popular models through facelifts instead of undertaking costly full-scale changes.
KG Mobility witnessed a sharp decline in domestic sales of the Tivoli, dropping from 23,452 units in 2020 to 11,130 units last year.
Similarly, the domestic sales of the Genesis G70 decreased from 7,190 units to 5,284 units during the same period.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
The focus on facelifts by South Korean carmakers should not be seen as a disregard for electrification. Rather, it is a strategic move to stay relevant in a highly competitive market while gradually incorporating electrification technologies. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, we can expect further advancements from South Korean car manufacturers in the field of electric mobility.