Journalist

Han Ji-hyun
  • 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
  • T’way Air Offers 10% Off GetYourGuide Tours and Activities for Passengers
    T’way Air Offers 10% Off GetYourGuide Tours and Activities for Passengers T’way Air said Tuesday it is offering discounts to all passengers through Feb. 28 on GetYourGuide, a major platform for tours and activities in Europe. Passengers who book GetYourGuide products through a link on T’way Air’s event page will automatically receive a 10% discount on tours and activities. The page features winter experiences such as husky sledding across snowy mountain areas in Europe and snowmobile rides through snow-covered forests. The promotion also includes discounted admission tickets for attractions worldwide, including in major European cities served by T’way Air such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Frankfurt. A T’way Air official said the airline prepared “various benefits” for travelers planning trips with the carrier in the new year and pledged to continue promotions aimed at improving customer convenience while prioritizing safe operations.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-17 09:03:00
  • South Korean Defense Firms Build EU Production Bases to Meet SAFE Local-Content Rules
    South Korean Defense Firms Build EU Production Bases to Meet SAFE Local-Content Rules South Korean defense companies are accelerating efforts to build production systems in Europe as the region tightens procurement rules. To meet local-content requirements under the European Union’s SAFE defense loan program, companies are setting up factories and building supply chains with European parts makers. According to the defense industry on Wednesday, the European Commission recently approved eight countries — Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Portugal and Cyprus — as eligible for SAFE, which offers low-interest loans to member states for joint weapons purchases. SAFE aims to invest 800 billion euros (about 1,370 trillion won) in defense through 2030 to strengthen European security, focusing on procurement of advanced equipment such as ammunition, missiles, artillery, drones and artificial intelligence. To use the fund, however, at least 65% of weapons production and parts sourcing must be European. Moves by South Korean defense firms to establish local bases are becoming more visible. Hanwha Aerospace said it broke ground Tuesday on a plant in Romania to produce K9 self-propelled howitzers and K10 ammunition resupply armored vehicles. The site, called H-ACE Europe, will include advanced assembly lines, performance and verification test facilities, and a 1,751-meter driving test track. Hanwha Aerospace said the Romania facility will provide full life-cycle support, including assembly, integration, testing and maintenance, repair and overhaul. The company aims to raise localization to 80% by building partnerships with about 30 local parts suppliers. A company official said Hanwha plans to strengthen the cooperation network and develop the site into a European hub that could expand to production and support for advanced ground systems such as infantry fighting vehicles, long-range precision strike systems and unmanned ground vehicles. Hyundai Rotem is also strengthening cooperation with Polish defense company Bumar after signing a second implementation contract last year with Poland’s Armament Agency for K2 tanks. About 250 K2 tanks to be delivered to Poland will be produced at Bumar’s plant, and Hyundai Rotem said it plans to expand capacity depending on future orders. The company is also moving to secure overseas bases, including establishing an about 8,500-square-meter rail-vehicle electrical components plant in California called Hyundai Rotem Smart Electric America, or HRSEA. A defense industry official said building defense plants in Europe is highly challenging because it requires weighing many factors, including contract size, understanding of the local market, language, labor skills and the parts ecosystem. Still, the official said, companies are continuing to review potential sites as trade bloc trends are expected to persist.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 18:09:00
  • Canada Submarine Bid Raises Pressure for Private Investment Packages
    Canada Submarine Bid Raises Pressure for Private Investment Packages "If they ordered submarines, shouldn’t you just deliver submarines — why give more?" That has been a common reaction to reports that Canada is pressing South Korea and Germany, both competing for a 60 trillion won patrol submarine project known as CPSO, to present a “private investment package.” Public sentiment cooled further after reports said Canada is seeking an auto manufacturing plant — a project tied to advanced technology, large-scale investment and major job creation. Critics say it is hard to accept an arms tender in which submarine performance counts for 20% of the evaluation while expected economic spillover accounts for 80%. Many observers argue that a package deal that effectively hands over industrial infrastructure would become a burden future generations must repay. Much of the public support has instead gone to Hyundai Motor Group, which has been drawn into the submarine bid, with calls not to load excessive responsibility onto a private company. For Hyundai, Canada also revives the painful memory of the “Bromont nightmare” from 30 years ago. The company once built a plant in Bromont, Quebec, hoping to establish a North American foothold, but withdrew early in 1996, just four years after opening. The exit followed weak Sonata sales, parts procurement problems, productivity averaging 30% to 40%, and repeated labor disputes. Hyundai suffered a major loss, failing to recover an investment of 320 million Canadian dollars (3.5 billion won at the time). It was Hyundai’s first failed overseas investment. Hyundai Chairman Chung Euisun said last year at the completion of a plant in Ellabell, Georgia, that the company would “put down roots” there. Once a factory is built, it ties a company’s fate to that place. Closing a plant is more than dismantling equipment; it means unwinding jobs, supplier networks and brand trust — a long, costly process. That is why being asked to plant a flag again in a place associated with withdrawal can be a burden beyond the numbers. With electrification reshaping the industry, a misstep can affect decades of planning. Canada offers attractive cards in batteries and green policies, but it also sits on a complicated North American supply-chain chessboard where a single move can be decisive. The dilemma for an owner begins with the fact that governments and companies speak different languages. For a government, submarine exports can be leverage to strengthen alliances, and it cannot ignore what an auto plant might deliver in bargaining power. A company’s calculus is different. As the industry hits an inflection point in electrification, global automakers are locked in massive investment competition in batteries, software and autonomous driving. For Hyundai, which already has a dense North American production network centered on the U.S. South and Mexico, building a new plant in Canada would require weighing countless variables, including how to divide roles with existing sites, logistics costs, labor conditions and tax incentives. An auto plant is also a message from an owner: where to put down roots is a declaration of where to bet on the future. The key is the terms. If a government wants to talk about being “one team” with business, it must offer an industrial foundation that companies can accept, not appeals to patriotism. That means a comprehensive plan — tax support, power-price agreements, infrastructure, labor flexibility and management of diplomatic risk. A factory does not run on slogans. Companies move when “investment under pressure” becomes “expansion through a deal.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 18:03:24
  • T’way Air tops 11 million passengers in 2025
    T’way Air tops 11 million passengers in 2025 T’way Air said Wednesday that its total passenger count for 2025 topped 11 million. The figure was up about 10% from roughly 9.9 million passengers in 2023, when travel demand began recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic, and up 5% from 10.5 million the year before. T’way Air operated 50 scheduled routes in 2023. It expanded service with new Europe routes such as Paris and Rome in 2024 and broadened international flights departing from regional airports via Cheongju and Jeju last year, bringing its total to 63 scheduled routes. In Japan, the carrier flies from Incheon to Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo’s Narita airport, and also operates routes including Daegu-Fukuoka, Daegu-Osaka and Daegu-Narita; Busan-Fukuoka, Busan-Sapporo and Busan-Osaka; and Cheongju- and Jeju-origin flights to Fukuoka and Osaka. New routes in Southeast and Northeast Asia also helped lift results, the airline said. After launching Cheongju-Bali (Denpasar), it expanded service including Incheon-Danang, Incheon-Bangkok and Incheon-Singapore; Daegu-Bangkok and Daegu-Danang; Busan-Nha Trang; and Jeju-Singapore, Jeju-Taipei (Taoyuan) and Jeju-Kaohsiung. In Europe, mid- and long-haul routes from Incheon to Paris, Rome, Frankfurt and Barcelona began full operations in 2024, driving a sharp rise in passengers, it said. Expansion was also supported by the Incheon-Vancouver route and additional service to Oceania (Sydney) and Central Asia, including Mongolia. A T’way Air official said surpassing 11 million passengers in 2025 reflected customers’ trust and support. The official said the airline will continue to prioritize safe operations while maintaining reasonable fares and strengthening its route competitiveness. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 15:06:00
  • BYD Signs Official Partnership With Manchester City FC
    BYD Signs Official Partnership With Manchester City FC BYD said Wednesday it has signed a deal to become Manchester City FC’s official automotive partner. Under the agreement, BYD Group will supply BYD and DENZA vehicles to the club. It will also provide vehicle-charging infrastructure and energy-storage battery solutions at the City Football Academy, the training complex used by the men’s and women’s first teams and academy sides. Starting Wednesday, the BYD logo will appear on the sleeve of the men’s first-team training kit. The women’s first team will add the logo starting next season. BYD branding will also be displayed throughout Etihad Stadium, including on headrests in the dugout seats. For Premier League and domestic cup home matches, BYD vehicles will be used as the official cars leading the men’s first-team bus to the stadium. BYD said the partnership is aimed at building its presence in international soccer to raise awareness of its brand, vehicles and other technology products. The company previously served as an official sponsor of UEFA EURO 2024 and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025. Stella Li, BYD vice chair, said Manchester City “represents excellence, innovation and the challenge of pushing beyond limits,” adding that the collaboration goes beyond soccer or mobility and is meant to inspire people worldwide through technology that supports a sustainable future. Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group, called BYD a global leader in its field and said the company’s focus on technology and innovation aligns with Manchester City’s values. He said he is proud to work with BYD toward a sustainable future. Manchester City, founded in 1894, has won 10 English league titles, seven FA Cups, one UEFA Champions League title and the FIFA Club World Cup, among other trophies. The club has played at the 53,000-seat Etihad Stadium since 2003 and has millions of fans worldwide. BYD, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, said it sold 4.6 million vehicles globally last year, including more than 1 million outside China. The company employs 120,000 research-and-development staff and files an average of 45 new patents per working day, it said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 14:33:58
  • Kolon Mobility Group outlines plan to reach 1 trillion won valuation by 2027
    Kolon Mobility Group outlines plan to reach 1 trillion won valuation by 2027 Kolon Mobility Group said Thursday it held its “2026 Town Hall Meeting” to share its mid- to long-term strategy and vision, including a goal of surpassing a corporate valuation of 1 trillion won in 2027. The meeting, held under the slogan “A leap toward a 1 trillion won valuation in 2027,” drew about 130 managers in person, while about 1,700 employees nationwide joined via a live YouTube broadcast. The event featured CEO keynote talks by co-CEOs Kang Lee Gu and Choi Hyun Seok, along with strategy presentations by major affiliates including Kolon Motors. Kang said the company will pursue three core strategies — “Profitability, Expansion and Evolution” — to achieve a 1 trillion won valuation in 2027. He said the company will push specific measures including expanding its 702 used-car business, innovating its business model through DX and AX, and strengthening its brand portfolio. Choi said the used-car business is a key growth engine for building KMG’s self-sustaining competitiveness. He said the company will strengthen brand awareness and its online platform so that “Imported cars mean 702” becomes a common market perception. In a Q&A session, executives answered questions collected in advance from employees, which the company described as a forum to build “One KMG” by strengthening ties beyond physical distance. A company official said the town hall helped employees align around a single goal and will be used to boost execution toward reaching a 1 trillion won valuation in 2027. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 10:30:00