Journalist

Han Ji-hyun
  • Volvo Korea Cuts EX30, EX30 Cross Country Prices by Up to 7.61 Million Won
    Volvo Korea Cuts EX30, EX30 Cross Country Prices by Up to 7.61 Million Won Volvo Car Korea said Feb. 20 it will cut the list prices of its premium all-electric SUVs, the EX30 and the EX30 Cross Country (EX30CC), effective March 1. The company said the decision followed close talks with its headquarters and is aimed at broadening the EV market and giving more customers access to Volvo’s sustainable mobility. With the change, the entry-level EX30 Core will be priced in the 30 million won range, lowering the barrier to the premium imported EV segment, the company said. The EX30 Core will drop by 7.61 million won, from 47.52 million won to 39.91 million won. The EX30 Ultra and EX30CC Ultra will each be cut by 7 million won, to 44.79 million won and 48.12 million won, respectively. Government EV subsidies can further reduce purchase prices. Using Seoul’s subsidy as an example, the EX30 Core and Ultra would each receive 3.21 million won, bringing their prices to 36.70 million won and 41.58 million won. The EX30CC Ultra would receive 2.88 million won, for an effective price of 45.24 million won. Volvo Car Korea said the move is not a temporary discount tied to option changes, but a reduction in official list prices while keeping the highest-level options intact. Lee Yoon-mo, CEO of Volvo Car Korea, said the company decided on the cuts after “intense discussions” with headquarters that reflected the importance of the Korean market. He said Volvo aims to lead the mainstreaming of premium EVs through the EX30 and EX30CC and help customers experience Volvo’s value “without 부담,” or undue burden. The EX30 and EX30CC are all-electric SUVs that Volvo says offer flagship-level safety technology and convenience features despite their compact size. The EX30 uses a 66kWh NCM battery and a rear-wheel-based single-motor extended powertrain, producing 272 horsepower and 35.0 kg.m of maximum torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 5.3 seconds and has a combined driving range of 351 km per charge. The EX30CC uses a 66kWh NCM battery and an all-wheel-drive twin-motor performance powertrain, producing 428 horsepower and 55.4 kg.m of maximum torque. It goes from 0 to 100 kph in 3.7 seconds and has a combined driving range of 329 km per charge. Volvo Car Korea said it will continue to offer what it called industry-leading coverage: a free warranty and consumables replacement service for five years or 100,000 km, and a high-voltage battery warranty for eight years or 160,000 km. It also includes 15 years of free over-the-air (OTA) updates and a free 5G digital package for five years. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-20 09:27:00
  • Hyundai Glovis Hits 7% Operating Margin Goal Early, Eyes Global Logistics Growth
    Hyundai Glovis Hits 7% Operating Margin Goal Early, Eyes Global Logistics Growth Hyundai Glovis is accelerating its push to become a global logistics company after reaching its 2030 target of a 7% operating profit margin ahead of schedule. The company is expanding vehicle shipments beyond Hyundai Motor and is also moving cargo tied to advanced industries such as defense, energy storage systems (ESS) and hydrogen. According to industry officials on Feb. 19, Hyundai Glovis posted 29.567 trillion won ($) in sales last year and 2.073 trillion won in operating profit, up 4.1% and 18.3% from a year earlier. Its operating margin came to about 7.1%, achieving a goal CEO Lee Kyoo-bok had set five years early. At a "CEO Investor Day" in June 2024, Lee outlined a plan to invest 9 trillion won by 2030 to reach 40 trillion won in sales and a 7% operating margin. All business lines grew: integrated logistics handling domestic and overseas transport (35%), the distribution unit covering CKD parts and used-car exports (47%), and ocean shipping (18%). A company official said Hyundai Glovis has helped clients cut logistics costs by leveraging routes built through Hyundai vehicle exports and by shortening lead times for auto-parts transport. The official added that proactive responses to free trade agreement risks and efforts to reduce costs at overseas plants helped win global customers. Hyundai Glovis has signed long-term ocean shipping contracts with automakers including Volkswagen, BMW, Ford and GM, and it also transports vehicles from Tesla and China’s BYD across Europe. It recently shipped defense products to Poland and other parts of Europe, including 124 K2 tanks and 60 K9 self-propelled howitzers. The company is also expanding into heavy and oversized breakbulk cargo that cannot be loaded into containers, such as power-generation equipment, trains, aircraft and mining machinery. It aims to lift non-affiliate revenue to 50% within four years. As of last year, cargo from affiliates accounted for 60.7% of volume, down 4.8 percentage points from the previous year. Hyundai Glovis plans to deploy four LNG carriers by 2027 to transport cargo for Middle Eastern shippers and to begin ocean-shipping projects involving high-speed trains, petrochemical plant equipment and ESS batteries. It also plans to start transporting ammonia and liquefied hydrogen around 2031. A company official said Hyundai Glovis aims to increase finished-vehicle ocean shipments from about 3.4 million units to 5 million and become the No. 1 car-carrier shipping company by 2030. The official said the company will build on its 147 logistics networks across 27 countries, freight-rate competitiveness and supply-chain flexibility to become a top-tier global player linking logistics, shipping and distribution. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-20 05:03:00
  • Mercedes-Benz Korea to Launch Direct Online Sales as Imported Brands Expand Fixed-Price Model
    Mercedes-Benz Korea to Launch Direct Online Sales as Imported Brands Expand Fixed-Price Model Imported carmakers are moving away from dealer-led sales toward online direct-to-consumer models. Following Tesla, brands such as Polestar, Honda and Volvo (for new vehicles) have expanded direct sales, and industry No. 2 Mercedes-Benz is set to introduce its own system in the first half of this year. Supporters say cutting distribution margins and price markups could expand the overall market, while critics warn it could weaken dealer-built service networks and hurt consumers. According to industry officials on the 19th, Mercedes-Benz Korea will begin fully implementing its direct-sales model, “Retail of the Future” (RoF), starting in April. Under RoF, the Korean unit distributes vehicles directly and runs pricing closer to a fixed-price system. The key feature is that headquarters will manage vehicle prices, inventory and delivery dates, allowing customers to buy at the same price nationwide. To integrate systems, the company has significantly increased staff based in South Korea, while dealers will focus on showroom operations, after-sales service and specialized repairs. A Mercedes-Benz Korea official said the company communicated steadily with dealers for about two years to address misunderstandings and distrust that could arise early in the rollout, and now believes the groundwork is in place for stable adoption. The official said consumers can expect benefits from removing distribution margins and moving toward fixed pricing, while dealers, as official partners, can concentrate on improving service quality, calling it a win-win. More imported brands have adopted direct sales in recent years. Tesla Korea has used direct sales since entering the market, and Volvo Korea, Polestar Korea, Honda Korea, Toyota Korea, Stellantis Korea and Cadillac Korea have expanded direct-sales programs over the past five years. These brands allow customers to buy vehicles online and check inventory and delivery timing in real time. An industry official said the traditional dealer system often forced consumers to shop around because prices, delivery dates and service benefits varied by importer, but direct sales unify pricing and channels, making management easier for headquarters and purchases more convenient for customers. Dealers, however, say wider adoption of direct sales could limit competition, raise imported-car prices over the long term and lead to negative effects such as fewer service centers. Tesla, which has maintained direct sales, sells about 60,000 vehicles a year in South Korea but has only 16 service locations nationwide. A dealer official said dealers have helped expand the imported-car ecosystem despite low margins of about 3% to 5% of vehicle prices, taking on inventory purchases, financing interest, large showroom openings and building after-sales networks. The official said that as direct sales expand and sales margins shrink, dealers could face disruptions in operating the large service centers they currently run. 2026-02-19 18:04:20
  • MAN Truck & Bus Korea Holds 2026 Sales and CSM Conference in Cheongju
    MAN Truck & Bus Korea Holds 2026 Sales and CSM Conference in Cheongju MAN Truck & Bus Korea said it held its “2026 Sales & CSM Conference” on Feb. 11 in Cheongju. The company said the event was designed to mark the start of its 25th year since establishing its Korean unit, review last year’s results and share key tasks for this year. About 160 people attended, including President Peter Andersson, employees, representatives from sales branches and service centers nationwide, and officials from MAN Financial Services. Under the motto “Stronger Together,” the conference reviewed last year’s performance and shared 2026 strategic directions and major tasks across core areas including products, services and finance. The company also held internal networking sessions aimed at strengthening coordination and collaboration. MAN Truck said it surpassed cumulative sales of 15,000 units last year despite a challenging market, which it said demonstrated strong brand competitiveness. It said it strengthened its lineup with new products tailored to the Korean market and announced its “MAN CORE 360” strategy. The company also focused on service capabilities by opening a company-run service center in Busan, launching the “MyMAN Korea” mobile app, and running “MAN Service Day,” a free on-site inspection program. This year, the company said it will continue to develop customer-focused business activities by expanding customer participation programs such as total cost of ownership reduction initiatives and test-drive events. It also plans to pursue the opening of a service center in Icheon and to improve service quality through skills development and structured training under its Ausbildung program. The engine division plans to strengthen its position in marine and energy engines with new engines that apply gas-engine technology and solutions based on MAN Smart Hybrid, the company said. An awards ceremony was also held to recognize top-performing sales staff and service centers from last year. Awards were presented in 21 categories, including top overall sales, top sales by product, highest year-over-year growth in sales, best CXI (customer experience index) service center, and best SSD (service site development) service center. MAN Truck also held a special event to support 18 trainees starting the eighth class of its German-style vocational training program, Ausbildung. The program combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction to develop skilled technical workers. MAN Truck said it has selected a total of 124 trainees since 2018, after signing a business agreement with the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Over the past 25 years, MAN Truck’s development in the Korean market has been possible thanks to the dedication of our employees across sales, service and headquarters, and our customers’ continued trust,” Andersson said. “This year, we will expand our activities in Korea by introducing new products and services and strengthen customer-centered business solutions.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-19 10:39:00
  • South Korea Falls to No. 9 in U.S. Import Market as Trump Tariffs Bite
    South Korea Falls to No. 9 in U.S. Import Market as Trump Tariffs Bite South Korea’s position in the U.S. market weakened compared with major competitors, reflecting the impact of U.S. tariffs, according to an analysis of U.S. government trade data. An analysis of U.S. Commerce Department import and export statistics released Tuesday on the Korea International Trade Association’s statistics service showed the United States imported $113.4 billion in goods from South Korea last year through November. That was down 5.9% from the same period a year earlier. South Korea accounted for 3.6% of total U.S. imports, ranking ninth among the top 10 suppliers. That was down two places from a year earlier. It was South Korea’s lowest ranking since 1988, the earliest year tracked in the association’s analysis. South Korea held steady at No. 6 or No. 7 for 15 years starting in 2009, and in 2024 it ranked seventh with a 4.0% share, just before the Donald Trump administration took office. The top U.S. import sources last year through November were Mexico ($492.5 billion, 15.7%), Canada ($351.2 billion, 11.2%), China ($287.3 billion, 9.2%), Taiwan ($176.7 billion, 5.6%), Vietnam ($175.3 billion, 5.6%), Germany ($140.8 billion, 4.5%), Japan ($133.8 billion, 4.3%) and Ireland ($129.7 billion, 4.1%). The drop suggests South Korea was hit harder than rivals by the Trump administration’s broad tariff policy. Taiwan and Ireland, which ranked below South Korea in 2024, moved ahead last year. Taiwan, a key competitor to South Korea in foundry chip manufacturing, jumped from No. 8 in 2024 (3.6%) to No. 4 last year (5.6%). Taiwan has been temporarily subject to a 20% reciprocal tariff because it has not completed a trade deal with the Trump administration, but semiconductors, its main export, are not subject to separate product-specific tariffs, limiting the direct impact on exports. South Korea, by contrast, took a bigger hit because major exports such as automobiles, steel and machinery were subject to high tariffs. Japan, which is seen as having a similar trade structure to South Korea due to its strong manufacturing base in autos and semiconductors, also slipped two places, from No. 5 to No. 7. 2026-02-18 10:42:00
  • Report: Hyundai, Tesla Lead AI Robotics Push, but Profitability and Ethics Remain Hurdles
    Report: Hyundai, Tesla Lead AI Robotics Push, but Profitability and Ethics Remain Hurdles AI-powered robots are expected to reshape manufacturing and boost efficiency across industrial processes, and analysts say the auto industry is especially well positioned to scale the technology. The report said advanced control and driving technologies already used in vehicles could be combined with robotics, expanding business opportunities across many areas of human mobility and helping build a next-generation mobility ecosystem. But it said commercialization will require progress on cutting costs, improving productivity, building data sets and addressing ethical concerns. On Feb. 18, the Export-Import Bank of Korea’s Overseas Economic Research Institute released a report titled “The auto industry’s entry into AI robotics and risk factors.” It forecast the global AI robotics market will grow 46% annually through 2034 to $375.9 billion (544 trillion won). The institute said automakers including Hyundai Motor and Tesla are currently driving the market. It said Hyundai’s Atlas is being advanced for use in industrial sites, focusing on manufacturing processes, while Tesla’s Optimus aims to secure leadership through development of general-purpose AI robotics. Tesla plans to integrate its own algorithms into robot systems and gradually deploy intelligent control systems in factories so robots can perceive and make decisions, the report said. It said Tesla is training Optimus on real-time driving data and pursuing a strategy to capture labor-replacement markets through mass production. Optimus units deployed at Tesla plants are being used in practical tasks such as moving battery cells to improve autonomous decision-making, it said. The report said Hyundai’s open-API strategy is designed as a platform that allows broad participation by partners. It said an end-to-end value chain could help Hyundai secure real-world data based on its own demand and build a vertically integrated data structure, giving it strong potential to lead its own intelligent mobility market. The report defined an end-to-end value chain as a supply chain that integrates and manages the entire process of delivering products and services to customers. Hyundai plans to invest 50.5 trillion won in AI robotics by 2030, exceeding Tesla’s AI investment of 13.5 trillion won, the report said. It added Hyundai is building a robot-dedicated plant in the United States with annual capacity of 30,000 units. The institute estimated the price of Hyundai’s Atlas at $130,000 and projected the investment could be recovered within two years after adoption. It said deploying Atlas in production sites could raise productivity by up to threefold by improving assembly efficiency. “Hyundai is internalizing AI robotics control technology through its acquisition of Atlas (Boston Dynamics) technology, and is pushing a practical strategy that applies its capabilities on site to move beyond simple mechanical movement and shift manufacturing toward unmanned operations,” the report said. “High-performance AI robotics will play a key role in that process.” The report also cited hurdles. It said Hyundai has gained flexibility through its open-API strategy to adopt a vision-language-action (VLA) model with language-based reasoning, but the total volume of real-time data being accumulated is not sufficient, limiting the speed of AI self-learning. Other challenges include malfunction risks in complex situations, building data for unexpected events, delays in generating profits due to technical constraints, and defining the operating scope of AI robots that can collaborate with humans, it said. “AI robotics has limited ability to respond to situations outside specific scenarios, and high upfront investment costs are a major burden on short-term profitability,” the report said. “In addition, because responsibility for AI robotics working with humans is not clearly established, legal disputes between manufacturers and operators and difficulties in compensation systems are also expected in the event of accidents.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-18 10:30:00
  • South Korea’s Mini-Car Sales Hit Record Low in 2025, Show Early 2026 Uptick
    South Korea’s Mini-Car Sales Hit Record Low in 2025, Show Early 2026 Uptick Domestic sales of new mini cars in South Korea fell to about 70,000 units last year, the lowest level on record, data showed. According to Kaizu Data Research Institute on Monday, 74,600 new mini passenger cars were sold domestically last year, down 24.8% from a year earlier. It was the first time in the past 20 years that mini-car sales dropped into the 70,000 range, and the lowest figure since domestic sales by vehicle class began being tallied. Data from the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association show mini-car sales peaked at 216,221 units in 2012, then slid to 146,722 in 2017. The decline continued to 134,333 in 2018, 121,307 in 2019 and 103,983 in 2020, before falling below 100,000 in 2021 at 98,781. Sales rebounded to 134,294 in 2022 after Hyundai introduced its first mini SUV, the Casper, in September 2021. In 2023, sales totaled 124,080 following the launch of the Ray EV equipped with a lithium iron phosphate, or LFP, battery. But sales fell back below 100,000 starting in 2024 and dropped to a record low last year. Analysts cited factors including a lack of new models and production delays. In South Korea, no new mini-car model has been launched since the Casper in 2021 and the Ray EV in 2023. The discontinuation of the once-popular Chevrolet Spark and a stronger consumer preference for SUVs as camping and other leisure activities spread also weighed on demand. Still, sales are trending higher this year as high interest rates and inflation, along with rising vehicle prices, push more buyers toward smaller cars. Mini-car sales in January totaled 8,211 units, up 10.9% from the same month a year earlier. With production delays persisting, demand appears to be shifting to the used-car market. Kaizu Data Research Institute said four mini cars were included in its top 10 list for used-car transactions in January. The Kia Morning ranked No. 1 with 3,841 transactions, followed by the Chevrolet Spark (3,149; No. 3), the Kia New Ray (2,877; No. 4) and the Ray (2,044; No. 8). * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-17 17:03:00
  • Hyundai, Kia Aim to Top 1 Million Cumulative EV Sales in Europe in First Half
    Hyundai, Kia Aim to Top 1 Million Cumulative EV Sales in Europe in First Half Hyundai and Kia are expected to surpass 1 million cumulative electric-vehicle sales in Europe in the first half of this year, as the region accelerates its shift to electrification. The milestone would come about 12 years after the brands launched their first EV in Europe, the Soul, in 2014. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, battery-electric vehicle sales in Europe totaled 217,898 in December, up 51% from a year earlier. BEVs took a 22.6% market share in December, edging gasoline cars at 22.5% for the first time on record. While changes in the EU’s mid- to long-term clean-vehicle policies remain a variable, the industry expects the EV slowdown to keep easing. Hyundai and Kia said their cumulative EV sales in Europe from the 2014 launch of the Soul EV through last year reached 915,996 vehicles, putting them within reach of 1 million this year. The two brands sold 135,408 EVs in Europe in 2021, topping 100,000 for the first time. Sales rose to 143,460 in 2022 and 147,457 in 2023. In 2024, sales slipped to 121,705 as major markets such as Germany reduced EV subsidies, but rebounded last year to a record 183,912 on new-model momentum including the Ioniq 9, EV4 and EV5, up more than 50% from a year earlier. Tucson was the best-selling eco-friendly model in Europe last year with 76,101 units, followed by the EV3 (65,202), Kona (64,211), Niro (46,534), Inster (Casper Electric, 26,851) and EV6 (16,218). With Hyundai and Kia averaging about 15,000 EV sales a month in Europe, the companies are likely to reach 1 million cumulative sales in the first half, the automakers said. “As Europe’s shift to electrification accelerates, competition among global auto brands in EVs is intensifying,” a Hyundai-Kia official said. “We will expand our share by launching a wider range of EVs that meet consumer needs.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-17 16:03:00
  • Winter Holiday Road-Trip Checklist: Tires, Battery and Emergency Towing Tips
    Winter Holiday Road-Trip Checklist: Tires, Battery and Emergency Towing Tips With cold snaps and heavy snow continuing this winter, drivers face greater need to check key vehicle components. With large day-to-night temperature swings, road conditions can change quickly, making thorough preparation important before long-distance travel. Reborncar, a non-face-to-face, directly operated certified used-car platform, released a “safe drive checklist” on Tuesday with Lunar New Year holiday vehicle-care guidance and driving tips. ◆From tires to brakes: What to check first For safer holiday travel, Reborncar said drivers should first inspect tires and braking systems. In winter, black ice can form in shaded curves and near tunnel entrances and exits. On black ice, drivers should avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking and keep a longer following distance. To improve traction on icy roads, the company said winter tires that stay flexible at low temperatures can help. It also advised keeping tire pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level and checking tread wear regularly. As a simple guide, it suggested inserting a 100-won coin upside down into the tread; if more than half of Adm. Yi Sun-sin’s hat is visible, drivers should consider replacing the tire. Because calcium chloride used on winter roads can contribute to corrosion, Reborncar recommended regular car washes and checking brake pads and discs in advance. It also urged drivers to check battery condition, as heater and heated-seat use increases power consumption in winter. Reborncar advised topping off windshield washer fluid because slush can reduce visibility, and replacing wiper blades if they make noise. It also said drivers should confirm that lights, including headlights, are working properly. ◆If trouble hits on the highway: Emergency response tips On return trips that often involve long hours and congestion, Reborncar said it is important to know what to do in emergencies. If a vehicle breaks down or a crash forces a stop on an expressway, the risk of secondary accidents rises. The company recommended using the Korea Expressway Corp.’s “expressway emergency towing service,” which provides free towing to a nearby safe area such as a rest stop or drowsy-driving shelter. If a vehicle catches fire while driving, it said to pull over, shut off the engine, move to a safe distance and call 119. If the fire is inside the engine compartment, it warned drivers not to open the hood because oxygen can increase the risk of an explosion. It advised leaving the key inside, not locking the doors and evacuating quickly. Keeping a fire extinguisher in the vehicle can help with initial response, it added. Reborncar also said drivers should check their auto insurance coverage before departure in case they need to switch drivers during a long trip. By adding a short-term driver expansion rider through an insurer’s app or call center, family members or acquaintances can be covered, it said. To reduce fatigue, it recommended taking a break at least every two hours, stretching and ventilating the vehicle. ◆Used-car checks: Diagnostics and direct operations For consumers considering buying a used car around the holiday, Reborncar said vehicle condition should be reviewed more carefully to prepare for long-distance driving. The company said it operates RTC (Reborncar Trust Center), which it described as the country’s largest reconditioning center, and that it has received certification from global quality certification body TÜV SÜD for six consecutive years. It said it conducts detailed diagnostics using its patented RQI (Reborncar Quality Inspection) standards to secure safety before delivery and to reduce potential risks during long trips. Reborncar said it also runs a structured delivery process, rechecking key safety-related parts such as tires and engine oil through its “安心 출고 서비스” just before handover. It also offers an “extended warranty service” that guarantees repair or replacement of major parts for 180 days with no mileage limit. “During holiday periods, long-distance driving becomes more common, so basic inspections and knowing emergency response steps in advance can be a big help,” a Reborncar official said. “Based on our direct-operation system, we will create an environment where customers buying used cars can travel with greater peace of mind.” 2026-02-17 10:03:29
  • Aron to Offer Free Mobile EV Charging at Honam Expressway Rest Stops for Lunar New Year Travel
    Aron to Offer Free Mobile EV Charging at Honam Expressway Rest Stops for Lunar New Year Travel EV charging solutions company Aron said Tuesday it will provide a free mobile EV charging service at expressway rest stops during the Lunar New Year holiday, in partnership with hy Mobility. The program, promoted by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Korea Automobile Environmental Association, places mobile EV charging vehicles at major highway rest stops nationwide to ease charging inconvenience during peak long-distance travel. Aron will oversee operations in the Gwangju-Jeolla region, deploying 10 mobile charging vehicles to five rest stops: Gimje (Saemangeum-bound), Gimje (Jeonju-bound), Gochang Dolmen (Mokpo-bound), Gunsan (Mokpo-bound) and Hampyeong Cheonji (Seoul-bound). The service uses charging vehicles equipped with large-capacity battery packs to charge EVs on site. Aron will offer free charging at designated locations at each rest stop from the 13th through the 18th, a total of six days. EV drivers can receive 20 kWh of charging at no cost. Service hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CEO Nam Jae-hyeon said mobile charging facilities can respond flexibly to temporary spikes in demand during holidays. He said Aron will operate the service to help ensure drivers can travel safely without inconvenience from charging issues on Lunar New Year return and outbound trips. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-17 10:03:00