Hyundai Motor chairman Chung Mong-koo left for the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland where the company will reveal the All New i20, the carmaker said Tuesday.

Chung plans to host a dinner for European dealers of Hyundai and Kia Motors Corp. in Geneva for the motor show as a checkup of sales in the region, the company said.

“Chairman Chung’s visit to the Geneva Motor Show means that the group is really trying to make a difference in the European market even as the region is under financial distress,” a Hyundai Motor official said. 

Hyundai plans to reveal the i20 facelift as well as the Veloster Turbo at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show, focusing on compact models to cater for cost-conscious buyers.

The All New i20 is the newer version of the Hyundai i20 produced last year and is more fuel efficient and environmentally- friendly. It emits 84 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, a figure lower than any other car with a conventional power train.

“The i20 has been very popular with European buyers since it came to market in 2009, thanks to its combination of efficiency, quality, practicality and value,” said Allan Rushforth, senior vice president of Hyundai Motor Europe.

Kia Motors presents Cee’d, a hatchback likely to remain a European exclusive, and its luxury sedan K9. The second generation of Cee’d will compete in the mainstream section of the highly popular C-segment along with rivals such as the Opel Astra and the Peugeot 308. The new Cee’d is longer and lower than its predecessor, giving the five-door hatchback a more sporty profile.

K9, Kia’s first rear-wheel drive sedan, is based on the same platform that underpins Hyundai’s Genesis and Equus, but with a key focus on design.

“This all-new rear-wheel drive large sedan will definitely become the leading model of our lineup around the world, showcasing the best of the best of Kia,” said Lee Soon-nam, Kia’s overseas marketing chief.

By Cynthia J. Kim (cynthiak@heraldcorp.com)