[THE INVESTOR] Han Sung Motor, Mercedes-Benz’s largest dealer in Korea, expects double-digit sales growth this year, the company’s chief said Friday at its annual motor show in Seoul.

“The company’s sales figure in the first half rose around 10 percent year-on-year. The second half is expected to post better performance (than the first half) thanks to the launch of new E-Class,” said Han Sung Motor CEO Ulf Ausprung at its motor show held at the Sevit floating island on the Hangang River, which kicked off on Friday for a two-day run.

Last year, Han Sung Motor, which marked its 30th anniversary, sold 19,000 units, a 20 percent rise from the previous year, recording 1.6 trillion won (US$1.3 billion) in sales. 

Showcasing the new E-Class unveiled two weeks ago, the chief said he was “positively surprised by the sales figure,” without disclosing the exact number.

He said the company hosted the second motor show this year again as the first event attracted a lot of public attention.

The first motor show held in July, last year drew more than 4,000 visitors to the show. Around 100 clients signed contracts on the spot and nearly 300 people later purchased cars after test drives, the company said.

“We made this year’s event bigger and displayed more cars -- 22 cars on display and 18 cars for test driving,” Ausprung said.

The event exhibited 22 different Mercedes-Benz models inside and outside the venue, including 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, C-Class, C-Class Coupe, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and G-Class.

Asked about the difference with other motor shows, the chief said “Visitors can see all the lineup of Mercedes-Benz at this event and they have more chance to drive cars compared to general motor shows.”

The highlight of the motor show was the auction of a StarClass A200 held on Saturday. The StarClass is the brand name for used cars, recognized by Mercedes-Benz.

Since last year, Han Sung Motor has donated the profits earned from the auction to its young artist talent development program dubbed “Dream Gream,” through which the company has been sponsoring 40 children since 2012.

The company also added different types of fun events, including face painting, caricatures and tarot to capture the interest of family visitors. Sales consulting services were also provided for real buyers.

“We have prepared diverse entertainment for visitors to enjoy and experience to come closer to its clients and to return the favor to its loyal clients,” he said, adding, “We hope you have great time with your family and experience diverse models of Mercedes-Benz at the event.”

He also added two to three more big surprise events will be coming this year apart from the motor show.

Mercedes-Benz sold 46,000 units last year, a 45 percent hike from a year earlier. Its market share stood at 18 percent in the foreign car market here, which ranked second after BMW, which held a 20 percent share.

By Shin Ji-hye (shinjh@heraldcorp.com)