Journalist

Han Ji-hyun
  • Hyundai, Kia face challenges amid EUs push for local EV production
    Hyundai, Kia face challenges amid EU's push for local EV production SEOUL, March 6 (AJP) - Auto industry workers are closely monitoring developments as the European Union unveiled its Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) earlier this week, a proposal aimed at boosting local manufacturing by imposing stricter requirements on global automakers. In a press release out on Wednesday, the European Commission said it has "adopted a legislative proposal to increase demand for low-carbon, European-made technologies and products," adding that IAA will "boost manufacturing, grow businesses, and create jobs in the EU, while supporting industry's adoption of cleaner, future-ready technologies." The commission also said the act "sets a goal to increase manufacturing's share of EU GDP to 20 percent by 2035." Once fully implemented, the IAA would require South Korean automakers to produce at least 70 percent of their vehicles' parts in the EU to be eligible for subsidies offered for eco-friendly vehicles. The country's largest automaker Hyundai Motor Group, which manufactures more than 80 percent of its European EV exports in South Korea, now needs to adjust to comply with the new rules under the IAA. The commission indicated that these requirements would cover "selected strategic sectors" such as steel, cement, aluminum, cars, and net-zero technologies, with the possibility of being expanded to "other energy-intensive sectors such as chemicals." The IAA also sets rules on foreign direct investment. If a country controlling more than 40 percent of global production capacity invests over 100 million euros in Europe, it must ensure at least half of its workforce are EU workers, limit foreign ownership to below 50 percent, and meet other obligations such as technology transfers. "Most automakers including Hyundai and its affiliate Kia export the majority of the EVs they sell in Europe rather than assembling them locally," an industry official said. "Unlike South Korea, which provides subsidies regardless of where a vehicle is made, Europe's proposed rules would effectively disadvantage imported vehicles." Hyundai and Kia sold 183,912 electric vehicles in Europe last year, but locally produced models stood at about 31,722 units, accounting for just a 17.2 percent of the total. Hyundai currently operates two manufacturing facilities in Europe — in Nošovice, the Czech Republic and Izmit, Türkiye — while Kia has one in Žilina, Slovakia. But their production capacity remains heavily concentrated on internal combustion models, while key EVs such as the Ioniq 5 and 6 and the EV5, EV6 and EV9 are all produced in South Korea and exported to Europe. The two automakers plan to gradually expand the production of EV models in Europe. Hyundai plans to begin mass production of the Ioniq 3 in the Czech Republic in August and convert its plant in Türkiye to EV production, targeting an annual capacity of 200,000 units. Kia already began mass production of the EV4 in Slovakia in August last year, with plans to rapidly expand its EV production by 2027. "We will speed up the transition of our plants for EV production ahead of the IAA's implementation," said a Hyundai staffer. "At the same time, we aim to maintain our market share by offering a broader range of EVs tailored to European motorists." However, a long legislative road still lies ahead for the implementation of the IAA, as it must be negotiated and approved by both the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before adoption. 2026-03-06 14:30:20
  • Lexus Korea Extends Team Lexus Ambassador Deals With KPGA Golfers Park Sang-hyun and Ham Jung-woo
    Lexus Korea Extends Team Lexus Ambassador Deals With KPGA Golfers Park Sang-hyun and Ham Jung-woo Lexus Korea said Thursday it has extended its 2026 “Team Lexus” ambassador agreements with Korea Professional Golfers’ Association players Park Sang-hyun of Dong-A Pharmaceutical and Ham Jung-woo of Hana Financial Group. Under the renewed deals, the golfers will represent the Lexus brand in marketing activities through December. Park will mark his sixth consecutive year with Team Lexus, and Ham his seventh, the company said. To support their tournament schedules and training, Lexus Korea will provide its flagship “L Series” vehicles, it said. The company said the two will also take part in customer-facing programs, including “Amazing Swing” private golf lessons and one-on-one golf mentoring content. Park is a veteran on the domestic circuit with 16 career wins since joining the KPGA, including two on overseas tours, and ranks first on the KPGA career money list, Lexus Korea said. Ham has four KPGA wins and won the 2023 KPGA Genesis Award, the company said, citing his steady play and focus. At the signing ceremony, Lexus Korea President Manabu Koyama thanked Park and Ham for their long-running role with the brand, saying the partnership goes beyond a simple collaboration and is a relationship that inspires both the brand and the players. Separately, Lexus Korea said it signed a business agreement with the KPGA in February to stage the 2026 Lexus Masters, underscoring its commitment to promoting golf culture in South Korea. The tournament, held for a third straight year since its launch in 2024, will offer total prize money of 1 billion won and run from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-06 09:39:19
  • FedEx Links Delivery Alerts With KakaoTalk to Boost E-Commerce Customer Experience in South Korea
    FedEx Links Delivery Alerts With KakaoTalk to Boost E-Commerce Customer Experience in South Korea Federal Express Corp., known as FedEx, said Thursday it will integrate its service with KakaoTalk to build a real-time delivery notification system in South Korea. The move is part of upgrades to FedEx Delivery Manager International, or FDMi, aimed at improving convenience, transparency and flexibility in domestic delivery processes, the company said. FedEx said the update will help e-commerce companies offer more customer-focused service and strengthen competitiveness in the online retail market. FDMi is an interactive e-commerce shipping solution that provides near real-time, customized delivery options and alerts. It allows customers to choose delivery times and locations to fit their schedules. Recipients can also change the delivery address while a shipment is in transit, providing flexibility without additional costs, FedEx said. With the KakaoTalk integration, recipients of shipments bound for South Korea will receive notifications via KakaoTalk starting at the pickup stage. FedEx said it will send messages through its officially verified KakaoTalk business account and expects the channel to help reduce risks from online scams, including delivery impersonation schemes that have been increasing. Recipients will also be able to check shipment status and take actions such as changing delivery details or adjusting pickup locations through KakaoTalk, the company said. Park Won-bin, head of FedEx Korea, said the integration is "an important step" in strengthening customer touchpoints. "As customers can manage deliveries directly through a trusted platform they use every day, we expect convenience to improve and unnecessary redeliveries to be minimized," Park said. He added that FedEx will continue to upgrade digital delivery services to match changing consumer conditions in South Korea. FedEx said it has introduced a range of digital solutions in South Korea to provide a smoother, more customer-centered delivery experience. Its self-service platform for import customs clearance, the "FedEx Import Tool," supports more efficient management of the import process, including shipment tracking and delivery scheduling, the company said. FedEx also launched its "FedEx Surround Monitoring and Intervention" solution to proactively track sensitive shipments, improving visibility and strengthening risk management capabilities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-06 09:30:19
  • T’way Air Says Summer Europe Bookings Up 14% as Long-Haul Demand Grows
    T’way Air Says Summer Europe Bookings Up 14% as Long-Haul Demand Grows T’way Air said Thursday that average bookings for its Europe routes for the summer season, running from March to October, rose 14% from a year earlier. A company official attributed the increase to stronger demand ahead of the spring and summer travel season, along with growth in long-haul independent travel and honeymoon trips. The official said competitive fares and a stable flight schedule also appeared to influence customers’ choices. T’way Air currently operates long-haul routes including Europe service to Paris, Rome, Barcelona and Frankfurt, as well as Sydney in Oceania and Vancouver in North America. Starting this year, the airline will introduce Airbus’ next-generation A330-900neo aircraft in phases to strengthen route competitiveness. The A330-900neo can cut fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by about 25% compared with existing aircraft, the company said, supporting fleet modernization and lower emissions. The new aircraft are set to be deployed on long-haul routes, including Europe, to improve operating efficiency and aircraft utilization, the company said. T’way Air also opened a dedicated “premium check-in” counter at Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 1 and recently overhauled its website and mobile app to improve digital services, including reservations, add-on purchases, online check-in and boarding pass access. Through the app, passengers can preselect seats, buy additional baggage allowance and preorder in-flight meals, helping streamline airport procedures on the day of travel, the company said. The company official said the rise in bookings is continuing as demand for long-haul travel, centered on Europe routes, steadily increases. The official said the airline will continue to prioritize safe operations while strengthening competitive fares and customer service. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-06 09:15:17
  • Hyundai launches rental car partnership promotion with discounts up to 1 million won per vehicle
    Hyundai launches rental car partnership promotion with discounts up to 1 million won per vehicle Hyundai Motor said Thursday it will launch a “rental car partnership special promotion” offering purchase incentives to help strengthen the competitiveness of new and small rental car companies. The program includes eased discount requirements, a wider range of eligible models and larger discount amounts, as well as a rental-car-focused residual-value-guarantee financing product. Hyundai said it expanded eligibility for discounts. Previously, incentives were available only to companies that bought at least 12 Hyundai vehicles in the year before purchase. Under the promotion, discounts apply regardless of the prior year’s purchase volume. Hyundai also expanded eligible models from eight to 12 by adding the Staria and Genesis models — the G80, GV70 and GV80 — to the Tucson, Santa Fe, Kona, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Sonata, Grandeur and Solati. The company raised the maximum discount to 1 million won per vehicle to reduce the burden of buying new cars and improve fleet supply stability. For the Tucson, Santa Fe, Kona, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Sonata, Grandeur and Staria, Hyundai said it will offer 100,000 won off for one vehicle; 300,000 won for buying two to three at once; 400,000 won for four to five; and 500,000 won for six or more. For the Solati, the discount is 200,000 won for one vehicle and 1 million won for buying two or more at once. For Genesis models (G80, GV70, GV80), Hyundai said it will offer 200,000 won off for one vehicle; 400,000 won for two to three; 600,000 won for four to five; and 1 million won for six or more. Separately, Hyundai said it will begin offering a “rental-car-focused residual-value-guarantee financing product” jointly developed with Hyundai Capital starting Monday. Hyundai said installment rates for 24-, 36- and 48-month terms will be lowered by 0.3 to 0.8 percentage points from existing levels. At contract end, customers can return the vehicle, repay by making a lump-sum payment of deferred amounts, or extend the loan, it said. Linked to Hyundai’s certified used-car business, the product is designed to sharply reduce residual-value risk and upfront operating costs for rental car companies, Hyundai said. It guarantees a used-car price of up to 61% of the new-car price when the vehicle is returned. “In a changing rental car market, we strengthened a partnership support program so small operators and new companies can grow sustainably,” a Hyundai official said. “We will continue close cooperation with the broader rental car industry to support stronger competitiveness and improved customer service.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-06 08:54:22
  • Hyundai Motor Group to Expand EU EV Production as New IAA Subsidy Rules Loom
    Hyundai Motor Group to Expand EU EV Production as New IAA Subsidy Rules Loom The European Union’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, or IAA, is raising concerns across the auto industry. If the rules take effect as planned, electric-vehicle makers seeking EU subsidies would have to produce at least 70% of a vehicle’s parts in the EU. Hyundai Motor Group, which exports most of its EVs sold in Europe from South Korea, says it will reorganize its European plants around EV production to meet the new requirements. On March 5, the European Commission announced the IAA, which would apply “made-in-region” requirements to public procurement and subsidies in strategic sectors including autos, steel, cement and aluminum, as well as green industries such as wind turbines. Under the proposal, exporters would need to meet minimum EU-content thresholds to qualify for public funding. The bill also includes foreign direct investment rules requiring, in certain cases, that EU workers make up at least 50% of the workforce, foreign ownership be capped at 49%, and technology transfer be required when a country accounting for more than 40% of global production capacity invests more than 100 million euros in Europe. Automakers are most focused on the “70% EU origin” requirement. Under the IAA, consumers buying EVs and hybrids in Europe would qualify for government subsidies only if the vehicle is assembled in the EU and at least 70% of parts excluding the battery are produced in the EU, among other conditions. An industry official said most automakers, including Hyundai and Kia, supply the bulk of their European EV sales through exports, calling the measure an unfair new penalty on exports compared with South Korea, which provides subsidies regardless of where a vehicle is made. The official added that it was a relief the origin rules broadly recognize not only EU member states but also countries that have free trade agreements with the EU. Hyundai and Kia sold 183,912 EVs in Europe last year, but locally produced vehicles accounted for only 17.2%, or 31,722 units. Hyundai currently has two European production bases — Nosovice, Czech Republic (HMMC) and Izmit, Turkiye (HMTR) — while Kia operates one in Zilina, Slovakia (KMS). Annual capacity is about 300,000 vehicles at HMMC; roughly 200,000 to 240,000 at HMTR; and about 350,000 at KMS, but production is heavily weighted toward internal-combustion models. Key EV models such as the Ioniq 5 and 6 and the EV5, EV6 and EV9 are produced in South Korea and exported. Hyundai and Kia said they will steadily expand EV production models in Europe this year. Hyundai plans to begin full-scale mass production of the Ioniq 3 at HMTR in August and is pursuing equipment conversions with a goal of producing 200,000 EVs a year. Kia began mass production of the EV4 at KMS in August last year and plans to start producing the EV2 this year, aiming to build a system to produce more than 100,000 EV2s annually by 2027. A Hyundai-Kia official said the group will accelerate electrification of its European plants in line with the pace of the IAA and maintain market share by producing a wider range of EVs within Europe. 2026-03-06 05:04:42
  • Eugene Corp. launches AI training for executives to speed digital shift
    Eugene Corp. launches AI training for executives to speed digital shift Eugene Corp. said Thursday it is strengthening employees’ ability to use artificial intelligence, aiming to accelerate digital transformation and “smart” management by training senior leaders. The company recently opened an “AI Intensive” course for executives and headquarters team leaders to build practical AI skills. The program runs in four sessions from Feb. 13 to March 13, focusing on helping leaders on the front lines of management use AI confidently as a strategic tool. Eugene Corp. said the course was designed to put into practice this year’s management direction of “strengthening AI capabilities,” highlighted in its New Year’s message. The company said it believes AI must move beyond a passing trend to become a core management tool, and that requires a shift in leaders’ mindset and stronger on-the-job skills. Earlier, Eugene Group Chairman Yu Kyung-sun said in the New Year’s address, “Our competitors are not companies in the same industry, but global firms changing the world with AI,” adding, “AI is the last and best opportunity that can instantly surpass all of our past achievements.” Eugene Corp. said it plans to use the training as a starting point to build a data-based decision-making system and to actively introduce AI from strategy development through execution, with the goal of boosting competitiveness across the organization. The curriculum is practice-oriented rather than theory-heavy. Participants worked on AI-based management strategy analysis, ways to build decision-making data, how to use AI simulations, and process automation techniques aimed at improving work efficiency. A company official said the program was designed to go beyond understanding AI principles and enable real workplace use. The official said Eugene Corp. will gradually expand AI courses companywide, starting with executive training, to embed an AI culture and spread data-driven decision-making. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 17:36:19
  • Hyundai Motor-Kia AVP Chief Park Min-woo Urges Staff to Embrace Conflict as One Team
    Hyundai Motor-Kia AVP Chief Park Min-woo Urges Staff to Embrace Conflict as 'One Team' Park Min-woo, head of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s AVP division, urged employees to keep a “one team” mindset even when disagreements arise. Hyundai Motor Group said Thursday that Park, who took office Feb. 23, met employees in a town hall meeting and told them, “There will be countless clashes and differences of opinion, but let’s not avoid them.” He added that conflict can be “positive friction” aimed at building the most complete product. Park stressed collaboration as “One Team,” saying real innovation will begin when the AVP division and 42dot work closely and when teams across the group — including R&D, design and product — actively share information and communicate. He urged employees to focus on “the best technology that helps people,” not technology for its own sake. The town hall, held at Pangyo Tech One, the AVP division’s research hub, was themed “Vision & Direction” and shared Park’s strategic direction. About 150 employees attended in person, and more than 500 joined a live online broadcast from Namyang Research & Development Center, overseas research centers and other sites. “True mobility innovation happens when scalable hardware and strong software capabilities are fully integrated,” Park said. He called on the division to become an “execution” organization that applies its technology to mass-produced vehicles without error, and asked employees to practice three priorities: expertise, persistence and agile execution. He also emphasized flexible culture and faster decision-making. Park said he would work with teams to build a flexible collaboration system, while reducing unnecessary hierarchy and complicated decision steps to stay focused on goals and speed up execution. On leadership, Park said his philosophy is “measurable and transparent goal-setting and building trust based on predictability.” He said it is important to set clear success standards, align all teams to those standards and maximize collaboration efficiency across the organization. Park added that employees should join efforts to help Hyundai Motor Group become a leading company in next-generation intelligent mobility that balances technology and people.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 14:27:26
  • BYD Korea to Provide SEALION 7 SUVs for WDR Symphony Orchestra Korea Tour
    BYD Korea to Provide SEALION 7 SUVs for WDR Symphony Orchestra Korea Tour BYD Korea said Thursday it will provide its midsize SUV, the BYD SEALION 7, as an official courtesy vehicle for the South Korea tour of Germany’s WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne. The orchestra, with a 79-year history, is regarded as one of Germany’s leading broadcast symphony orchestras, known for a broad repertoire spanning Baroque, Classical and Romantic works as well as 20th- and 21st-century music. The visit is the ensemble’s first in South Korea since 2018, BYD Korea said. The tour begins with a March 5 performance in Busan, then continues to Jinju in South Gyeongsang Province, Gumi in North Gyeongsang Province and Bucheon in Gyeonggi Province, before concluding with a March 11 concert at the Seoul Arts Center in Seoul. During the tour, the SEALION 7 will be provided to the conductor and guest soloists as their courtesy vehicle. BYD Korea said the electric vehicle is designed for quiet operation and stable driving performance. The company said the cabin uses double-laminated glass to help block outside noise, and features headrest-integrated sports seats with heating and ventilation designed for ergonomic support and a stable seating feel. A BYD Korea official said the support is meant to go beyond transportation by accompanying “the artistic journey of world-class artists,” adding that the company will continue cultural collaborations to broaden customer engagement and build trust by showcasing BYD’s brand value and technology. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 09:39:21
  • Hanwha Systems to Open Joint R&D Centers With Seoul National, Sungkyunkwan for Defense-Space Chips
    Hanwha Systems to Open Joint R&D Centers With Seoul National, Sungkyunkwan for Defense-Space Chips Hanwha Systems said March 5 that it held ceremonies with Seoul National University and Sungkyunkwan University to establish joint research and development centers to secure design technologies for defense and space semiconductors. The centers will be set up at SNU’s Semiconductor Joint Research Institute and at Sungkyunkwan University’s College of Information and Communication Engineering on its Natural Sciences Campus, the company said. Hanwha Systems and SNU will conduct joint research through 2031 to develop high-frequency semiconductor design technology for communications, it said. The chips are expected to be key components for applications including communications satellites, mobile terminals and unmanned aircraft, supporting high-speed, low-latency, high-performance military communications linking land, sea, air and space domains. Hanwha Systems said it previously won a development project in December for a “transceiver space semiconductor for low-Earth-orbit communications satellites,” one type of communications chip. The transceiver is described as a core component for military LEO satellite communications, designed to reliably transmit and receive satellite signals between ground and space in extreme space environments. With Sungkyunkwan University, Hanwha Systems will jointly develop domestically made, high-power, high-efficiency, wideband semiconductors for radar, the company said. The chips are core components used in radar antennas — the “eyes” of systems such as surface-to-air guided weapons, fighter jets and observation satellites — and are used to generate radio waves and amplify received signals for target search and tracking. The company said the technology could be used broadly, including in multifunction radars applied to Cheongung-II and L-SAM, as well as AESA radars for fighter aircraft and SAR for observation satellites. Hanwha Systems said it plans to build joint research infrastructure with each university and pursue work in stages, from early research and technology acquisition to component commercialization. It also plans longer-term cooperation, including expanded industry-academia exchanges and recruitment of top talent. Defense semiconductors are specialized chips used in advanced weapons systems such as missiles, radar and military communications, requiring far higher reliability and stability than chips for other industries, the company said. Hanwha Systems said it expects the partnerships to help it internalize high-quality domestic defense semiconductor design capabilities quickly and systematically. Hanwha Systems said it aims to strengthen competitiveness in defense semiconductor technology across all stages, from components to integrated systems, and to become a leading company in localizing defense semiconductors in South Korea. “This industry-academia partnership is an important starting point for securing core defense semiconductor technologies stably at home,” a Hanwha Systems official said. “Through sustained R&D and talent development, we will raise self-reliance in key semiconductor technologies for defense and contribute to strengthening South Korea’s defense industry competitiveness.” 2026-03-05 09:28:16