MIAS 2019: 'Hyundai Rockology' Shows Off Hyundai Kona Electric, Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), Hyundai's official distributor in the Philippines, made a big splash at this year's Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) as the Korean car brand brought not one, but two new models to 'rock your world.'

Hyundai's presentation, dubbed 'Hyundai Rockology' became the brand's launch pad for the unveiling of the Hyundai Kona Electric subcompact crossover and Hyundai Palisade midsize SUV.

Ambassador Han Dong-man, South Korea's ambassador to the Philippines, graced the event and provided the opening statement. Reiterating his goals to uphold a stable relationship between the two nations, Ambassador Han has high hopes for Hyundai's venture in the Philippines.

"HARI is 'king,' so I believe that Hyundai will be king of all vehicles in the Philippines. HARI also established a Dream Center in Laguna. HARI will continue to give pag-asa to the Philippines with this wonderful dream center," Ambassador Han said, referencing Hyundai’s training center for scholars in Calamba, Laguna that opened last year.

"Hyundai now accounts for more than eight percent of the market share in the Philippines. This year, I hope Hyundai will increase its market share up to 10 percent. It's a modest number," he added.

After Ambassador Han, HARI President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Fe Perez-Agudo took to the stage.

"Welcome to Hyundai Rockology, a play on rock and technology, capturing the essence of the Hyundai brand. Always looking to do things differently. Always evolving to exceed our customers’ expectation. Like the music that challenged norms, gets you out of your comfort zone. You have fun, you get moving in a real party. And this party is all about you," Perez-Agudo told the audience.

Perez-Agudo then proceeded to unveil both cars.

Introducing the 2019 Kona Electric, Perez- Agudo dubbed it as Hyundai’s first electric SUV. "As the brother of the award-winning Kona, the electric version is filled with smart and environment-friendly technology," she said.

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Perez-Agudo described the next car, the Palisade, as an SUV that eschews "a harmony of basic design elements that in terms of proportion, architecture, styling and technology, a synergy between form and function." She also expects the Palisade to set "a new standard for SUVs."

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HARI has priced the Hyundai Kona Electric at PHP2.388 million and the Hyundai Palisade at PHP3.24 million.