[THE INVESTOR] Automakers are rolling out special edition cars for the summer, according to the industry on July 21.

Hyundai Motor, South Korea’s largest automaker, recently released a special edition of its midsize sedan Sonata, which will go on sale until October. 

The special edition is installed with ventilated seats and a dual air conditioning system for driver and passengers to enjoy the cool ride under the scorching sun. The new Sonata features automatic defogging system to detect fog and maintain a clear driving vision during the monsoon season. It also has a cluster ionizer function, keeping the air fresh and smell-free inside the vehicle. 

“Sonata Summer Special Edition is affordable and it features functions that are suited for the summer season,” an official at Hyundai Motor said. 

Ssangyong Motor unveiled its summer special Samba Edition on July 5, which will go on sale until September. 

The cars are featured in bright colors like green, yellow and blue, with the “Samba” logo attached on some of Ssangyong’s best-selling models, including the Korando C, Korando Sports and Tivoli. 

The carmaker also unveiled a new car color called Galaxy Green for the Korando C and Tivoli. The dark green color, according to a Ssangyong official, highlights modern and European style, with a theme of “Back to Nature.”

 

Renault Samsung has also launched a special edition for its best-selling compact sport utility vehicle QM3. 

The carmaker added Michelin tires, a silver skid plate, a brushed silver side mirror cap and a stripe decal on its QM3s. Only 100 units of this summer edition will be on sale, Renault Samsung said. Earlier, the carmaker had introduced another edition of QM3 in Cannes Blue color, the brand’s third color following the previous versions of Sonic Red and Chocolat Brown.

Among foreign brands, the German automaker BMW added a new color palette to its premium models M3 and M4 for the high-end consumers. The M3 will be available in the color San Marino Blue, which is a mix of blue and purple. The M4 will come in a striking Melbourne Red. The automaker is selling only 10 units of each edition.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)