Journalist

Han Ji-yeon
  • Auto China 2026: BYD, Geely tout AI and battery advances to defend home market
    Auto China 2026: BYD, Geely tout AI and battery advances to defend home market Chinese automakers rolled out new electric models packed with the latest technology at the motor show, betting that strong battery engineering and AI-driven features can help them hold their ground at home against global brands’ premium appeal. According to the industry on April 28, BYD applied the theme “All things move toward renewal” to its Dynasty lineup and introduced a wave of new vehicles, including the flagship SUV Datang, the third-generation Yuan Plus and the Song Ultra EV. BYD highlighted its second-generation Blade battery, flash-charging technology and an intelligent ecosystem connection aimed at younger Chinese buyers. The company said the second-generation Blade battery can reach 70% charge in five minutes at room temperature and a full charge in nine minutes; in minus 30 Celsius conditions, it said, a full charge takes about three minutes longer. BYD said the Datang achieved a 950-kilometer range on a single charge by increasing energy density, calling it among the longest in the world. The Yuan Plus, which BYD said has topped 1.1 million global sales since its 2022 launch, adds a 240-kilowatt motor and is rated at 630 kilometers under China’s CLTC test cycle; BYD said flash charging is applied across the lineup. The models were presented as new-energy vehicles priced from 250,000 to 320,000 yuan. Across its flagship brands — including Fangchengbao, Yangwang and Denza — BYD also unveiled new sedans, SUVs, multipurpose vehicles and supercars. Yangwang showed the 2026 U7, U8 and U8L Dingchang Edition, along with the U9, which it said was the first Chinese supercar to appear in “Gran Turismo 7.” The company said the Yangwang U9 Extreme (U9X) set a world record with a top speed of 496.22 kph. BYD said the Denza Z uses an intelligent vehicle control technology platform to improve cornering, driving safety and tuning performance. Geely Holding Group showcased mobility solutions across its brands — including Zeekr, which is slated for domestic launch this year — as well as Lynk & Co, Geely Galaxy, Lotus and Smart. It highlighted technologies such as the EVA-cap robotaxi, Super EVA and the Smart Egg cockpit, underscoring capabilities spanning AI, autonomous driving and next-generation eco-friendly technology. Zeekr introduced the high-performance hybrid flagship SUV “8X,” calling it the only midsize hybrid SUV in the world capable of 0-100 kph acceleration in the three-second range. Geely attributed the performance to a 900-volt high-voltage platform, a 2.0 turbo super-hybrid engine, a 145-kilowatt (197-horsepower) generator, an AI digital chassis and dual Nvidia Drive Thor-U chips. Geely Automobile also presented new models featuring a fresh design concept and advanced technology, including its second concept car, the “Galaxy Light,” and the brand’s first off-road NEV architecture. The company also promoted its i-HEV intelligent hybrid system. A Geely Holding Group official said the products unveiled at Auto China 2026 showed the group’s “clear trend” toward intelligent electrification. The official added that, as the industry enters an era of intelligent electrification marked by both challenges and opportunities, the group will seek growth by creating strong synergies across its businesses. 2026-04-28 18:10:23
  • Auto China 2026 Showcases EVs Evolving Into AI-Driven Vehicles
    Auto China 2026 Showcases EVs Evolving Into AI-Driven Vehicles "The era of electrification has passed, and the era of intelligence has arrived." Auto China 2026, also known as the Beijing Motor Show, opened in China, the world’s largest electric-vehicle market. This year’s show spotlighted Chinese automakers rolling out new artificial intelligence and autonomous-driving technologies, while global carmakers sought to keep pace. German, South Korean and Japanese brands pushed deeper “In China for China” strategies, tailoring products and operations to the local market. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, or CAAM, said in its “2026 China auto market outlook report” that it expects total vehicle sales this year to rise 1.2% from 34.40 million to 34.80 million. New energy vehicles, or NEVs, are projected to account for 19.00 million units, up 15.2% from 16.49 million a year earlier. That would lift NEV penetration to 54.7% from 47.9%, positioning 2026 as a turning point when NEVs become the market standard. As the EV market enters a mature phase, competition is expected to intensify as companies fight to survive. Chinese brands used the show to highlight advances in AI, self-driving systems and battery performance as they aim to move further into the premium segment. Xiaomi drew attention with a marketing display that suspended a cutaway model of its self-developed NEV, exposing the battery and motor structure and the placement of thousands of parts. The display was seen as a way to show how software tightly controls hardware, reinforcing the idea of the car as “AI on wheels,” built on the company’s smartphone software experience. Geely Automobile Group’s premium brand Zeekr unveiled the “8X,” a premium sport utility vehicle with a claimed maximum output of 1,380 horsepower. Xpeng introduced the “GX” with Level 4 autonomous-driving technology. Nio displayed its three brands — Nio, Onvo and Firefly — and showed new models including the Nio ES9 and ET9 equipped with its self-developed smart-driving chip. Established automakers also emphasized technology shifts. Mercedes-Benz showcased its history from horse-drawn carriages to the latest Maybach electric vehicle, while placing the results of its collaboration with China’s Huawei prominently on the stand. BMW and Audi also drew attention for integrating autonomous-driving technologies developed with Chinese partners such as Momenta and Huawei into new models. Battery technology, linked with AI, emerged as a key battleground. CATL, the world’s top battery maker, said its third-generation “Shenxing” battery can charge to 98% in 6 minutes 27 seconds. BYD demonstrated technology that it said boosts energy density and can charge a battery from 10% to 70% in five minutes even in extreme conditions below minus 30 degrees Celsius. An industry official said, “Once the EV market fully enters maturity, only companies with software-defined vehicle technology will survive.” 2026-04-28 18:06:29
  • Hyundai Rotem signs deal for local production of K2 tanks in Poland
    Hyundai Rotem signs deal for local production of K2 tanks in Poland SEOUL, April 28 (AJP) - Hyundai Rotem has signed a contract with a Polish defense firm for the production and maintenance of South Korea's K2 battle tank, it said on Tuesday. The signing ceremony, which follows a preliminary deal signed in August last year, was held in Warsaw the previous day and was attended by Hyundai Rotem CEO Lee Yong-bae and Bumar-Łabędy CEO Monika Kruczek. Under the contract with Bumar-Łabędy, a subsidiary of Poland's state-run defense group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), the South Korean manufacturer will collaborate on local production of the Polish version of the tank, dubbed the K2PL. It is a customized version developed to meet Polish requirements and expected to be produced locally, along with other Poland-specific variants based on the K2 platform. A key part of the deal involves cooperation on assembly, with some equipment to be sourced from Poland. Hyundai Rotem said items such as front- and rear-view cameras, which allow crews to monitor surroundings from inside the tank, and an inertial navigation system that helps enable precise movement and firing will be Polish-made. The contract also includes on-site training for Polish personnel in Hyundai Rotem's maintenance work on the tanks, aimed at helping Poland build its maintenance capabilities before local production begins. Hyundai Rotem said it plans to strengthen mid- to long-term cooperation with Bumar-Łabędy and other local defense companies, using the partnership as a foothold for its expansion in Europe, as it believes it would offer growth opportunities for South Korea's defense industry. Expressing confidence in its competitiveness, the company said it has a track record of delivering shipments several months ahead of schedule or on time. "The latest deal will lay the groundwork to expand K2-related projects in Poland," a Hyundai Rotem spokesman said. 2026-04-28 11:29:11
  • KG Mobility to Add Union Representative to Board Under New Participation Director System
    KG Mobility to Add Union Representative to Board Under New Participation Director System KG Mobility, or KGM, said on the 29th it will implement a “participation director system,” becoming the first automaker to have a labor union join the board as an employee representative. The system formalizes a role for the union in the board of directors — the company’s top decision-making body — allowing it to present views on major management issues and during decision-making. KGM said the move was pursued after Chairman Kwak Jae-seon proposed reviewing the idea at a year-end meeting last December with KG Group affiliate unions and an employee council. The company said it will begin full implementation after practical talks with the union on details, including who will attend board meetings. At the company’s third board meeting on the 24th, union chairman Noh Cheol attended as a “participation director.” “By joining the board, we can address information asymmetry between labor and management by gaining access to management information,” Noh said. He added that reflecting voices from the shop floor in management decisions is expected to help build trust and expand communication. KGM said it plans to develop the initiative beyond a traditional labor-management relationship into a shared management partnership. CEO Hwang Ki-young said the system is an advanced governance model that moves away from a management-centered decision structure and enables all employees to take part in management to achieve a shared goal. He said the company will strengthen communication with stakeholders and boost global competitiveness through transparent and responsible management. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 10:42:16
  • Hansung Motor Adds Customer Experience Managers at 19 New-Car Showrooms
    Hansung Motor Adds Customer Experience Managers at 19 New-Car Showrooms Hansung Motor said April 28 it will introduce a new “Customer eXperience Manager,” or CXM, at its 19 new-car showrooms. Hansung Motor, an official Mercedes-Benz partner, said the move comes as Mercedes-Benz shifts to its new sales model, “Retail of the Future,” or RoF. The CXM will serve as each showroom’s top customer-experience lead, overseeing operations tied to customer service. The role will manage the full customer journey — from showroom visits and consultations to test drives, contracts and vehicle delivery. Hansung Motor said it is accelerating a shift in customer management from “sales-focused” to “experience-focused” under RoF. The company said it will more systematically manage customer touchpoints and raise the overall quality of the experience from consultation through delivery. To help ensure a consistently high level of service across all showrooms, Hansung Motor said it will manage sales processes to reduce delays and confusion and to improve consultation quality, response speed and process consistency. Along with the CXM role, the company said it will run an employee training program, the “STAR Guardian Program,” to strengthen customer-experience capabilities. The program is built around customer experience, brand value and process, and focuses on practical, on-site training to develop customer-experience specialists and set standardized execution guidelines to minimize service gaps among showrooms. Hansung Motor also said it will introduce a “Customer eXperience Assistant,” or CXA, to support customer service and showroom operations. The CXA will work with the CXM to maintain quality across the customer journey and strengthen on-the-ground execution. Kim Marco, CEO of Hansung Motor, said the new CXM and CXA roles are “a starting point for advancing the customer experience to a perfect level,” adding, “We will create a new standard for Hansung Motor’s customer journey.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 10:36:22
  • Hyundai to Speed Hydrogen City Bus Rollout in Seoul Area, Targeting 400 in Five Years
    Hyundai to Speed Hydrogen City Bus Rollout in Seoul Area, Targeting 400 in Five Years Hyundai Motor Co. said it is teaming up with major transit operators and related businesses in the Seoul metropolitan area to accelerate decarbonization in transportation. The automaker said it signed a business agreement on April 27 at its UX Studio Seoul in its Gangnam-daero building with Dowon Transportation, Samhwan Transportation, Sewoon Industry and Hyundai Motor Securities to jointly speed the rollout of hydrogen-powered city buses in the capital region. Participants included Hyundai Motor domestic sales chief Yeom Jae-seop, Dowon Transportation CEO Kim Jeong-hwan, Samhwan Transportation CEO Han Kang-su, Sewoon Industry CEO Ahn Gwang-heon and Hyundai Motor Securities planning and finance chief Yang Young-geun, the company said. The agreement aims to build a foundation for wider adoption by converting CNG fueling stations in the region into hydrogen refueling stations. It also targets introducing a total of 400 hydrogen fuel cell city buses on routes operated by Dowon and Samhwan within five years. Hyundai Motor said it will supply its Elec City hydrogen fuel cell buses to the two operators on schedule and support specialized maintenance training to help ensure smooth operations. The Elec City hydrogen fuel cell bus is equipped with a 180-kW hydrogen fuel cell system, a motor rated at 180 kW with maximum torque of 4,500 N·m, and a 78.4-kWh high-output lithium-ion battery. Based on an official efficiency rating, it can travel up to 751.2 kilometers on a single charge, supported by an efficiency-focused motor, a high-performance fuel cell system and what Hyundai Motor called best-in-class hydrogen tank capacity, making it suitable for power-intensive city routes. Dowon and Samhwan said they will replace aging CNG buses with the Elec City hydrogen fuel cell model and gradually expand hydrogen city bus operations. Sewoon Industry, a refueling business operator, said it will actively cooperate in converting existing CNG hubs in the capital region into hydrogen stations. It also plans to build 10 new hydrogen refueling stations in Seoul and Incheon by 2029. Hyundai Motor Securities said it will support the project with advice and investment as needed. Hyundai Motor said it expects the agreement to help expand hydrogen transportation and infrastructure and support South Korea’s 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution goal of cutting transport-sector greenhouse gas emissions by up to 37.8% from 2018 levels by 2030. “This agreement with transit operators, a refueling business and a financial institution is meaningful in that it offers a practical solution to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell buses,” a Hyundai Motor official said. “We will continue working to help strengthen the hydrogen ecosystem.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 10:16:09
  • Hyundai Unveils Redesigned ‘The New Grandeur’ Sedan in Major Facelift
    Hyundai Unveils Redesigned ‘The New Grandeur’ Sedan in Major Facelift Hyundai Motor Co. on 28 unveiled the design of “The New Grandeur,” a facelifted version of its flagship sedan that the company said brings changes on the scale of a new model. First launched in 1986, the Grandeur has introduced new designs and technologies across generations and has led South Korea’s premium sedan market, Hyundai said. The newly revealed model is a facelift of the seventh-generation Grandeur, arriving about 3 years and 5 months after the current version was launched in November 2022. Hyundai said the exterior carries over the existing model’s dynamic, upscale character while refining details for more balanced proportions. The front features a longer hood, a more pronounced “shark nose” shape and a new mesh-pattern radiator grille. A slimmer, longer bezel-less seamless horizon lamp is intended to sharpen the futuristic look. A newly applied side repeater on the front fender is designed to visually connect the line running from the front to the rear. Overall length increases by 15 millimeters to 5,050 millimeters, Hyundai said, to create a dynamic yet balanced side profile. At the rear, thinner combination lamps and hidden turn-signal lamps integrated into the upper garnish are meant to reinforce a high-tech, seamless identity. Hyundai also applied a wing-type garnish to the lower bumper and expanded black trim that wraps wider across the lower body to emphasize a sportier feel. A new exterior color, “Artisanal Burgundy” in pearl and matte finishes, was inspired by traditional lacquerware, the company said. Inside, Hyundai said it retained the Grandeur’s “premium lounge” concept while expanding the sense of space. The model adopts Hyundai’s first next-generation infotainment system based on the Android Automotive operating system, called “Pleos Connect,” displayed on a 17-inch center screen. Physical buttons for key functions are placed below the screen to reduce driver distraction, the company said. Hyundai also said it added power air vents for the first time, allowing integrated control of airflow and direction through the display while concealing the outlets to enhance a premium look. Door trims use a “couch pattern” intended to improve comfort, with indirect lighting to reinforce the lounge atmosphere. Hyundai said it also applied, for the first time, a film that electrically adjusts transparency between clear and opaque states. Hyundai said it is running an “Early Pass” notification event on its official website through next month 13 to provide customers with detailed product information, the official launch schedule, and details on displays and test-drive vehicles. Among customers who sign up and later take delivery, the company said it will hold a drawing to award prizes including Bose SoundLink Home Bluetooth speakers (50 winners) and 50,000-won fuel gift certificates (100 winners). “The New Grandeur is a model newly introduced with new specifications applied across the product and details refined with precision to achieve new-car-level completeness,” a Hyundai official said. The official added that, as a flagship sedan combining “bold sculptural beauty” with a comfortable lounge feel, it will offer “a higher level of mobility experience” for customers seeking a premium vehicle.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 09:31:54
  • Hyundai Motor Group Starts Pilot Battery Subscription Service to Cut EV Costs
    Hyundai Motor Group Starts Pilot Battery Subscription Service to Cut EV Costs Hyundai Motor Group is launching a pilot program for an electric-vehicle battery subscription service that separates battery ownership from the vehicle body. The group said April 28 that Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Capital will run the pilot in the first half of this year with corporate taxis whose warranty coverage has expired. The project is based on a regulatory exemption approved in November through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s mobility regulatory sandbox, allowing separate registration of EV body and battery ownership. Under the current Automobile Management Act, EV batteries are not registered and managed separately from the vehicle. That has been cited as a major hurdle to EV purchases because buyers face depreciation tied to battery performance decline and the cost of replacement. Hyundai Motor plans to operate a subscription service for five Ioniq 5 corporate taxis in the Seoul metropolitan area to assess how separating battery ownership affects operating costs and vehicle utilization life in real-world driving. During the subscription period, participating taxis will pay a monthly fee to Hyundai Capital. If a battery needs to be replaced, the taxi will return the used battery to Hyundai Capital and receive a Hyundai Capital-owned battery. The service is offered through a subscription model without a separate battery purchase. Because corporate taxis typically rack up high mileage in a short time, battery performance can deteriorate faster and replacement demand can arise sooner. Hyundai Motor Group said it will use the pilot to broadly verify whether the model can reduce operating-cost burdens and extend vehicle operating periods. Hyundai Motor Group also said it plans another pilot in the second half of this year for general customers, offering EV sales and battery subscriptions based on separate body-battery ownership registration. A Hyundai Motor Group official said the pilot will show what impact separating battery ownership has in actual driving conditions. The official said the group plans to later offer “innovative finance and subscription products” built around separate battery ownership to reduce consumers’ burden of buying and operating EVs and to support the government’s policy to expand EV adoption. 2026-04-28 09:09:55
  • Hyundai Rotem Signs Deal to Build Poland-Specific K2 Tanks in Poland
    Hyundai Rotem Signs Deal to Build Poland-Specific K2 Tanks in Poland Hyundai Rotem said Monday it held a signing ceremony in Warsaw on April 27 (local time) with BUMAR-ŁABĘDY, a defense company under Poland’s state-owned PGZ group, to cooperate on local production and maintenance of the Poland-specific K2PL main battle tank and an armored recovery vehicle. The ceremony, attended by Hyundai Rotem CEO Lee Yong-bae and BUMAR-ŁABĘDY CEO Monika Kruczek, was aimed at finalizing details for local production and maintenance that form a key part of the second implementation contract for Poland’s K2 tank program signed in August last year. Local production of other variants, including an engineering vehicle and a bridge-laying vehicle, will be discussed later, the company said. Hyundai Rotem described the K2PL as a customized version developed to meet Polish requirements. It said the K2 platform will also be applied to related variants to be produced in Poland in the future. A central element of the agreement is cooperation on local assembly of the K2PL. The deal also includes a localization approach dubbed the “Polish Solution,” under which some onboard systems will be sourced from Poland. Hyundai Rotem cited front and rear cameras that allow crews to monitor surroundings from inside the tank, and an inertial navigation system that measures position and attitude to support precise movement and firing. The agreement also includes an on-site training plan in which BUMAR personnel will take part in Hyundai Rotem’s maintenance work for K2 tanks operated by the Polish military. Hyundai Rotem said the goal is to help build maintenance capabilities and project experience before local production begins. Hyundai Rotem said it plans to strengthen long-term cooperation with BUMAR and other Polish defense firms, accelerate development of the local production system and complete the second implementation contract without disruption. The company said it previously demonstrated its execution capability by delivering tanks under the first implementation contract months ahead of schedule or on time. If Poland develops into a K2 production hub, Hyundai Rotem said it could create long-term growth opportunities for South Korea’s defense industry ecosystem by enabling partner companies to participate in exports and use the project as a foothold for overseas expansion, including in Europe. Hyundai Rotem said it last month announced a cooperation strategy with suppliers, including financial support measures such as a performance-sharing program and an expanded co-growth fund, as well as 200 billion won in supplier R&D investment over two years and a new organization dedicated to cooperation. “Through this agreement, we strengthened cooperation with BUMAR, established a practical local production plan to support the first overseas production of the K2 tank, and laid the groundwork to expand the K2 program in Poland,” a Hyundai Rotem official said. “Together with our partners, we will focus on stabilizing quality and providing timely logistics support to contribute to Poland’s national security and industrial competitiveness, while also working to build a sustainable defense industry ecosystem in Korea.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-28 08:57:11
  • Renault Korea’s Grand Koleos Gains Attention as SUV Buyers Prioritize Quality
    Renault Korea’s Grand Koleos Gains Attention as SUV Buyers Prioritize Quality Competition in the SUV market is shifting from size to overall execution, as buyers focus less on body dimensions and seat counts and more on comfort and usability in real-world driving. In that environment, Renault Korea's midsize hybrid SUV, the Grand Koleos, has drawn favorable reviews as a well-built model aimed at everyday practicality. Industry officials said the Grand Koleos is positioned as an SUV that balances design, utility and fuel economy, serving both daily commuting and leisure use. Rather than adding a third row, it uses a second-row-focused layout intended to improve space efficiency and driving refinement. Based on a 2,820-millimeter wheelbase, it offers ample legroom and headroom and is designed to reduce fatigue on long trips. Cargo space is rated at 633 liters, expanding to as much as 2,050 liters with the seats folded, supporting routine errands as well as travel and outdoor activities. By simplifying the body structure and reducing weight, the company said it also improved fuel economy and stability. The Grand Koleos is rated at 15.7 kilometers per liter, among the best in its class, and uses a hybrid E-Tech system that can handle much of city driving in electric mode. Renault Korea said a dual-motor series-parallel hybrid system and a multimode transmission were used to improve driving feel. Quietness, a key factor for family-oriented SUVs, was also emphasized. The vehicle applies active noise cancellation to reduce outside noise and engine sound, aiming for a cabin environment closer to that of an electric vehicle. The interior includes the openR panorama screen to strengthen user convenience. On safety, the Grand Koleos uses an ultra-high-strength body structure and includes a range of advanced driver-assistance systems as standard equipment, earning a 2024 Korea New Car Assessment Program, or KNCAP, Grade 1 rating. The company said the approach reflects a safety-centered design philosophy beyond simple feature comparisons. The Grand Koleos is the first model under Renault Korea's strategic Aurora Project. Developed in about 24 months, it has been cited by the company as an example of combining a fast development schedule with high completion. A Renault Korea official said, "The Grand Koleos refined its design not by adding, but by subtracting," adding that as the SUV market's focus shifts from size and specifications to practical user efficiency, the Grand Koleos is emerging as a realistic option.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-27 18:13:31