AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Oh Joo-Seok
  • Test drive: Renault’s Filante hybrid aims to blend sedan comfort with SUV stability
    Test drive: Renault’s Filante hybrid aims to blend sedan comfort with SUV stability "On a straight road it feels like a sedan, and on rough pavement it feels like an SUV." That was the line that came to mind while driving Renault Korea’s next-generation hybrid model, the Filante. It is clearly an SUV, but it delivered sedan-like comfort and immediate acceleration, while adding upgraded artificial intelligence features aimed at convenience. At a test-drive event on March 4, the Filante was driven about 140 kilometers (87 miles) round trip, from an event site at Yellow Cafe in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang province, to Nine Hill Cafe in Ulju County, Ulsan, with a passenger. The drive highlighted the vehicle’s power and quietness. The Filante shown at the event was an E-segment flagship crossover featuring an illuminated signature lozenge logo. Renault said it is based on the SUV-platform Grand Koleos body but engineered for sedan-level quietness and ride comfort by technically lowering its center of gravity. At the turnaround point at Nine Hill Cafe, the driver took the wheel. In warm weather, a press of a button followed by the voice command, "Turn on the ventilated seat," prompted the car to respond immediately. The feature is enabled by SK Telecom’s A.Dot Auto voice service, which the company says can remember conversational context and continue answers based on follow-up questions. On the Ulsan expressway, the body felt stable and the accelerator response was quick. The electric motor stepped in rapidly, keeping initial acceleration brisk, with a sense of the chassis holding firm from below. The Filante uses Renault’s Hybrid E-TECH powertrain: a 100-kilowatt drive motor and a 60-kilowatt starter motor paired with a 1.5-liter turbo direct-injection gasoline engine for a maximum 250 horsepower. Renault said a large-capacity lithium-ion battery allows up to 75% of city driving in electric mode. On the winding Unmunsan section, the Filante showed SUV-like stability. It offers multiple drive modes, including Sport, Eco and AI. In Sport mode, responses felt more aggressive; in AI mode, it appeared to adapt to conditions and delivered a steadier feel. Even on rough surfaces, the body stayed composed through corners, maintaining balance. The driver’s seat, finished in Nappa synthetic leather, sits relatively high and provided firm lower-back support for long-distance comfort. Wind and road noise were noticeably reduced. With acoustic glass and an active noise-cancellation system, the cabin did not become uncomfortably loud even at speeds above 110 kph (68 mph), reinforcing the sedan-like quiet. In highway congestion, cruise control proved useful. The Filante includes 34 advanced driver-assistance systems, Renault said, including lane-departure prevention and an emergency steering assist designed to help the vehicle avoid sudden hazards. Returning to Gyeongju on national roads, the word that came to mind was "identity." On straight stretches, it tracked steadily like a sedan, while the cabin remained quiet. A front passenger panoramic screen provided access to the internet and other content, and the radio speaker sound quality was satisfactory. Renault said a karaoke function will be added later through an update.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-07 08:03:34
  • South Korea to Unveil First Mass-Production KF-21 Fighter This Month
    South Korea to Unveil First Mass-Production KF-21 Fighter This Month South Korea will unveil the first mass-production KF-21 Boramae fighter jet later this month, a milestone expected to start reshaping an Air Force fleet long centered on U.S.-made aircraft. Industry officials said Friday that a rollout ceremony for the first production aircraft will be held in the final week of this month at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) headquarters in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang province. Government and other key officials are expected to attend. The aircraft to be unveiled will undergo ground and flight testing before being delivered to the Air Force in the second half of this year. The Air Force plans to introduce 40 domestically built KF-21s in stages by 2028. It aims to secure 80 more by 2032, for a total fleet of 120. Deliveries of the KF-21 are expected to affect the Air Force’s fighter mix, including replacing aging F-4 and F-5 jets and reducing reliance on U.S. technology. Most of the Air Force’s main fighters, including F-16s and stealth aircraft, are produced in the United States, making the development of the supersonic KF-21 a significant step, officials said. South Korea’s push to develop indigenous combat aircraft gained momentum in December 2005, when the first mass-produced T-50 supersonic advanced trainer was delivered. In December 2015, the country began development of the KF-21, moving toward an independent fighter production system. Expectations are also rising for export growth, with Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines, as well as Middle Eastern nations, cited as potential customers. Supporters point to the T-50’s exports to those markets as evidence of performance, and say additional orders are possible. The article said President Lee Jae-myung has also engaged in direct defense sales efforts with those countries, adding to export optimism. KAI plans to secure 6.544 trillion won — 62.7% of its overall order target this year — through exports of complete aircraft such as the KF-21. “The KF-21 project began with a feasibility review during President Kim Dae-jung’s administration in 2001, and full-scale development started in December 2015,” a KAI official said. “We expect both domestic adoption of the KF-21 and expanded exports.” 2026-03-06 18:03:25
  • BYD Unveils Second-Generation Blade Battery, Targets Near-Full Charge in 10 Minutes
    BYD Unveils Second-Generation Blade Battery, Targets Near-Full Charge in 10 Minutes BYD says it has developed an electric-vehicle battery that can charge to about 90% in 10 minutes. On the 6th, BYD unveiled its “second-generation Blade Battery” and “FLASH charging technology,” aiming to address two major EV challenges: limits on charging speed and weaker performance in cold weather. BYD said the second-generation Blade Battery can reach near full charge within 10 minutes. It can charge from 10% to 70% state of charge in five minutes, and reach 97% in nine minutes, the company said. In extreme cold of minus 30 degrees Celsius, BYD said charging from 20% to 97% takes only three minutes longer than at room temperature. Developed after six years of research and development, the company said the battery is designed to offer a charging experience comparable to refueling a gasoline vehicle. BYD Chairman Wang Chuanfu said the industry “must” solve persistent problems of slow charging and cold-weather performance, underscoring the significance of the new technology. BYD also highlighted safety measures, saying it introduced a “lithium-ion high-speed channel” and an “all-around intelligent thermal management system” to reduce internal heat and improve heat dissipation. Energy density is up 5% from the first generation, it said. The Denza Z9GT, equipped with the second-generation Blade Battery, achieved a driving range of 1,036 kilometers when combined with BYD’s lightweight body technology, the company said. BYD said it is expanding FLASH charging stations with 1,500 kilowatts of output per single connector. It plans to build 20,000 FLASH charging stations across China and to roll them out in global markets in earnest by the end of this year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-06 11:45:15
  • Kia EV5 GT Named Korea Auto Journalists Association’s Car of the Month for March 2026
    Kia EV5 GT Named Korea Auto Journalists Association’s Car of the Month for March 2026 The Korea Automobile Journalists Association said Thursday it selected the Kia EV5 GT as its car of the month for March 2026. The association’s Car of the Year selection committee evaluated the EV5 GT and JLR Korea’s updated New Defender model last month, listed in Korean alphabetical order by brand. Judging covered five areas: interior and exterior design and perceived quality; safety and convenience features; power performance; energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions; and overall product value and purchase intent. The EV5 GT scored 35.3 out of 50 to take the top spot. It earned 8 out of 10 in energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, 7.3 in safety and convenience features, and 7 in power performance. Jeong Chi-yeon, chair of the committee, said the EV5 GT “delivers a dynamic driving feel even in an electric SUV” through strong dual-motor performance and a range of driving-focused technologies. The association has named and announced a car of the month since 2019. Last month’s winner was the Renault Korea Filante. Monthly winners advance directly to the first round of final judging for the annual Car of the Year awards, without going through the first-half and second-half preliminary reviews.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-06 09:57:54
  • Parata Air’s Signature In-Flight Ramen and Chicken Rank Among Top Sellers
    Parata Air’s Signature In-Flight Ramen and Chicken Rank Among Top Sellers Parata Air said its signature international in-flight menu items, ramen and chicken, have remained among its best-selling paid offerings. The airline said it analyzed international-route onboard sales from Nov. 17, 2025, to Feb. 25, 2026. Signature ramen accounted for 10.3% of total sales, ranking second, while chicken took fourth place with 7.4%. Beer led all items at 23%, and the top five products during the period included easy-to-eat options such as ramen and chicken, the airline said. Parata Air’s signature ramen has been a flagship onboard item since the airline began operations. On social media and online communities, it is often described as a must-try menu item for Parata Air passengers, the company said. Spicy chicken also ranked near the top, and the airline said Korean-style snack items such as ramen and chicken are drawing steady choices from passengers. A Parata Air official said customers showed a strong preference for menu items that are easy to enjoy onboard while adding to the travel experience. The official said the airline plans to expand differentiated services available only on Parata Air. 2026-03-06 09:49:52
  • Maserati Korea Names Gaurab Thapa as New General Manager
    Maserati Korea Names Gaurab Thapa as New General Manager Maserati said Thursday it has appointed Gaurab Thapa, its sales director in South Korea, as general manager of Maserati Korea. The appointment follows the end of the term of Takayuki Kimura, who led Maserati Korea and Japan. Thapa, who has overseen sales in the Korean market, will take the post April 1. Maserati said Thapa has built his career around sales strategy and network development in the auto industry. Since joining Maserati in 2018, he has worked on business planning and operations in the Asia-Pacific region and led dealer network development. After Maserati Korea launched in July 2024, Thapa served as sales director, leading nationwide sales and network operations. Maserati also said it has reorganized its Asia-Pacific operating structure. The newly established Maserati APAC organization covers South Korea, Greater China, Japan, and Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. The company said Taieb-Dutrio, who has more than 25 years of international experience in the luxury auto industry, will oversee the organization and pursue marketing and sales strategies tailored to each national market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-06 09:24:16
  • Korean Air Named a 2025 Disclosure Excellence Company by Korea Exchange
    Korean Air Named a 2025 Disclosure Excellence Company by Korea Exchange Korean Air said Thursday it received an award after being selected as a disclosure excellence company at the “2025 KOSPI Disclosure Excellence Awards” ceremony held March 5 at the Korea Exchange building in Seoul. The designation is given each year to listed companies on the benchmark KOSPI market that have established systematic disclosure management and actively communicated with investors. Korean Air said it was recognized for efforts over the past year to provide timely and accurate disclosures. The company said it met statutory filing deadlines and made quarterly checks and guidance on ad-hoc disclosures a regular practice to prevent omissions. It also said it provided prompt and accurate information on unannounced matters, including market rumors, to reduce information gaps and build trust with shareholders and investors. The airline said it also provided English-language investor relations materials for overseas investors. “This award reflects the results of all employees working together for transparent and responsible management,” a Korean Air official said. The Korea Exchange selects disclosure excellence companies each year for contributing to greater transparency and trust through timely and accurate disclosures. Korean Air said the selection brings benefits including a one-time, five-year grace period from being designated an unfaithful disclosure company, a one-year exemption from annual charges and listing fees after selection, and an exemption from required annual training.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-06 08:57:44
  • Hankook Tire to Supply iON evo Tires for Ford Mustang Mach-E
    Hankook Tire to Supply iON evo Tires for Ford Mustang Mach-E Hankook Tire & Technology, part of South Korea’s Hankook & Company Group, said Thursday it will supply its iON evo tires as original equipment for Ford’s electric SUV, the Mustang Mach-E. The Mustang Mach-E is a key model representing Ford’s electrification strategy. Hankook said it worked closely with Ford on technology development and succeeded in creating a tire optimized for the vehicle. The 19-inch iON evo uses Hankook’s iON Innovative Technology design system, balancing four core areas: low noise, improved mileage, strong grip and low rolling resistance, the company said. Hankook said its EV-optimized shape technology increased cornering stiffness by 10%, while noise-focused technology cut interior driving noise by up to 18%. It also said the tire can improve energy efficiency by up to 6% and increase mileage by 15% by reducing wear. Hankook said the supply deal strengthens its portfolio across internal combustion and electrified vehicles. The company said it began a partnership with Ford in 1999, the first such tie-up for an Asian tire maker, and has supplied original equipment tires for major models including the Mustang, Explorer, Ranger, F-150, Focus and Mondeo.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-06 08:48:18
  • Tesla leads South Koreas imported-car market
    Tesla leads South Korea's imported-car market SEOUL, March 5 (AJP) - U.S. electric vehicle maker Tesla claimed the top spot in South Korea's imported-car market last month, boosted by brisk sales of its revamped Model Y, the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association said on Thursday. Some 27,190 imported vehicles were newly registered last month, up 29.7 percent from 20,960 units the previous month and 34.6 percent higher than a year earlier. The cumulative number of registrations for the first two months of this year stood at 48,150 units, up 35.9 percent from 35,428 during the same period last year. By make, Tesla ranked No. 1 with 7,868 registrations, followed by BMW with 6,313 and Mercedes-Benz with 5,322. Next were Lexus with 1,113, Volvo with 1,095, Audi with 991, BYD with 957, and Toyota with 793. Over the past month, 7,000 units of Tesla's Model Y were sold, with 1,740 of them being the Long Range version. By type of fuel, hybrids accounted for 50.5 percent of registrations, followed by electric, gasoline, and diesel vehicles. European imports made up most of the registrations with 16,107 units (59.2 percent), followed by American (30.1 percent), Japanese (7.1 percent), and Chinese (3.5 percent) vehicles. 2026-03-05 10:53:14
  • Peugeot Launches All-New 5008 Smart Hybrid Test-Drive Events Across South Korea
    Peugeot Launches All-New 5008 Smart Hybrid Test-Drive Events Across South Korea Peugeot said Wednesday it will hold test-drive events at 13 showrooms nationwide to mark the launch of the all-new 5008 Smart Hybrid. The event runs for 17 days starting March 6 and is designed as a participatory program for showroom visitors and their companions, the company said. Peugeot will also run a guaranteed-win promotion to celebrate the all-new 3008 Smart Hybrid winning two awards in the 2026 Design category. Test-drive participants will receive a scratch card offering prizes including a 29-inch travel suitcase, the “Peugeot Voyage Luggage,” co-produced by Peugeot and French premium luggage brand Delsey, as well as French premium wine and a wine-glass set, coffee coupons and other gifts. Peugeot said it expanded its seven-seat family SUV lineup with last month’s launch of the all-new 5008 Smart Hybrid, building a core lineup that includes the 308, 408, 3008 and 5008. Bang Sil, chief executive of Stellantis Korea, said she hopes the event will give families, couples and friends time to visit showrooms and discover new preferences.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 10:27:35