2019 Seoul Motor Show: Finding multiple ways to connect with buyers

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Meanwhile. South Korea's largest auto show gets underway this week. The 2019 Seoul Motor Show features all of the latest vehicles from major car brands worldwide. But as cars become more high-tech, the allure of car shows is waning and manufacturers are using other means to connect with buyers. Shane Hahm reports.

The bright lights, shiny wax polish, and fanfare are back. The 2019 Seoul Motor Show features all the latest the automotive world has to offer. From the latest concept cars to hard-core motorheads, it's all you can expect from a world-class motor show.

LEE KWANG-KOOK, VICE PRESIDENT HYUNDAI MOTORS "Our exhibit isn't like a department store where visitors simply look at displayed items. Rather, visitors can personally experience a car's performance and relate to the value our brand strives for."

Nearly two dozen local and foreign automakers are exhibiting at this year's event. And it's not just traditional, gasoline-fueled vehicles.

JEONG MARN-KI, HEAD SEOUL MOTOR SHOW ORGANIZING COMMITTEE "We've incorporated new mobility exhibits, including telecommunications and energy firms, and in addition to cars, we're exhibiting drones, small-sized electric vehicles, and motorcycles."

SHANE HAHM SOUTH KOREA "Making its debut here in Seoul is U.S. electric car maker Tesla, including its latest Model 3 sedan. But noticeably absent are other global brands like Audi, Volkswagen, and Ford. Part of the reason could be that the Seoul show competes on a busy calendar between events in Geneva and Shanghai. But it's also a reflection of the fast-changing automotive landscape."

Attendance figures at motor shows worldwide have been declining since the turn of the century. And as the industry shifts toward more connected, autonomous cars, exhibitors are drawn to events like the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. And companies are using other promotional methods, like stand-alone pop-up events.

JEONG MARN-KI, HEAD SEOUL MOTOR SHOW ORGANIZING COMMITTEE "We understand that it's important to transform into a more future-oriented motor show. We need to focus more on attracting companies that combine parts, materials, new energies, and new IT and apply it to automobiles."

The traditional auto show won't be going anywhere soon. They are still an opportunity for consumers to experience their favorite brands. But gone are the days when world premiers and scantily-clad models are the main attraction.