Journalist

Han Ji-yeon
  • 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
  • Oil Prices Jump on U.S.-Israel-Iran War, Boosting Interest in Hybrids and EVs
    Oil Prices Jump on U.S.-Israel-Iran War, Boosting Interest in Hybrids and EVs The war involving the United States, Israel and Iran has sent international oil prices sharply higher, fueling consumer anxiety. If volatility persists, demand is likely to shift from internal-combustion vehicles to hybrids and electric vehicles. Some in the industry say eco-friendly models could account for more than half of Hyundai Motor Group’s domestic sales this year. According to industry officials on Tuesday, Dubai crude futures traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange closed at $80.39 a barrel the previous day, up 5.04% from the prior session. That was a 12.7% jump in three trading days from Feb. 27, just before the war began, when it was $71.81 a barrel. After holding a steady $66 to $68 a barrel on average in February, prices have surged more than 5% a day since the Strait of Hormuz was blocked following U.S. airstrikes on Iran, the report said. Experts said a prolonged conflict could push oil to around $130 a barrel. JPMorgan forecast that if Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz drags on and disrupts maritime transport for three to four weeks, oil would rise above $100 a barrel. In that case, gasoline now priced at about 1,739 won per liter would climb to 1,850 to 1,900 won, an increase of 6.3% to 9.4%. If high oil prices persist, demand is likely to grow for hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs. An auto industry official said it is difficult to predict a broad shift in the market based on short-term oil forecasts because vehicle replacement cycles typically run five to 10 years. Still, the official said, if high prices continue amid a rise in localized conflicts globally, consumers facing higher living costs will gravitate toward fuel-efficient hybrids or EVs. Sales data already show a strong shift. Hyundai sold 97,216 vehicles in South Korea in January and February, including 35,897 hybrids and EVs, or 36.9% of the total, up 20% from a year earlier. Kia sold 85,107 vehicles domestically over the same period, with eco-friendly models totaling 48,416 — 30,300 hybrids and 18,166 EVs — for a 56.9% share, a 42.1% increase from a year earlier. If the trend holds, the share of eco-friendly vehicles — now about 30% to 40% of new registrations — is expected to top 50% within the year. The high upfront cost, often cited as the main drawback of eco-friendly vehicles, is also easing as battery prices fall. To compete with internal-combustion vehicles on price, EV battery costs need to drop to around $100 per kilowatt-hour. Germany’s electrive.com reported that EV battery prices fell from $115 per kWh at the end of last year to $100 this year, and are projected to reach $69 by 2030. Tesla, BMW, Hyundai Motor Group and Volvo have cut prices on major EV models by about 13% to 20% this year as battery-pack costs declined. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 05:04:04
  • Jin Air to Launch Busan-Phu Quoc Route, Expanding Service From Gimhae
    Jin Air to Launch Busan-Phu Quoc Route, Expanding Service From Gimhae Jin Air said Tuesday it will launch a new route from Gimhae Airport to Phu Quoc, a Vietnamese resort island often dubbed the country’s “pearl.” The Busan-Phu Quoc service, the carrier’s third new route introduced from Busan this year after Taichung and Miyakojima, is aimed at strengthening its network based in Busan. Flights begin April 30 and will operate four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Departures leave Gimhae at 7:55 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays and at 8:05 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays, arriving in Phu Quoc at 11:25 p.m. The return flight departs Phu Quoc at 12:25 a.m., with a flight time of about 5 1/2 hours. Tickets are available through the airline’s website and mobile web and app. The route includes free checked baggage up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds). Located at Vietnam’s southern tip, Phu Quoc is seen as an emerging resort destination linking Da Nang and Nha Trang. Vietnam’s largest island has been designated a government economic special zone and was selected to host the 2027 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit, helping drive rapid development of global infrastructure, the airline said. Jin Air said the launch is part of its push to expand its Busan network. Since 2023, it has opened routes including Nha Trang, Tokyo and Nagoya, it said. With the new service, Jin Air’s international routes departing Busan will rise to 17. A Jin Air official said the airline hopes travelers “experience healing in everyday life” in Phu Quoc, adding it will continue working to develop new routes from Busan and build demand.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 14:15:00
  • Hyundai Motor, Kia Launch MobED Alliance to Expand Robotics Solutions Ecosystem
    Hyundai Motor, Kia Launch MobED Alliance to Expand Robotics Solutions Ecosystem Hyundai Motor and Kia said they are building a multilateral partnership ecosystem centered on MobED to provide customized robotics solutions for customers. The automakers said Tuesday they held a launch ceremony for the “MobED Alliance” at the 2026 Smart Factory & Automation Industry Expo (AW2026) at COEX in Seoul and began full-scale domestic sales of MobED. Attendees included officials from Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics Lab, parts makers such as Hyundai Transys and SL, robotics solution companies including LS TiraYutech and Gaon Robotics, and related organizations such as the Korea AI & Robot Industry Association, the companies said. Hyundai Motor and Kia said the alliance was designed to meet demand for ready-to-deploy, customized solutions for industrial sites, rather than simple hardware adoption. MobED, the alliance’s core platform, is a small mobile platform with a new wheel-drive system, the companies said. It is based on four independently driven DnL (Drive-and-Lift) mechanisms to improve its ability to handle changes in ground conditions. They said MobED can flexibly combine various “top modules” tailored to industry needs, enabling uses such as delivery, patrol, research and video filming. Hyundai Motor and Kia said they plan an ecosystem-led commercialization strategy, supplying complete solutions with specialized partners instead of selling the platform alone. The MobED Alliance will operate as a four-party cooperation framework involving Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics Lab, domestic parts suppliers, robotics solution companies and related organizations, the companies said. The Robotics Lab will provide MobED platform development and core technology, while 10 parts suppliers, including Hyundai Transys and SL, will produce and supply key components such as sensors, electronics and batteries, they said. Five robotics solution companies, including LS TiraYutech and Gaon Robotics, will design customized services based on on-site industrial needs, the companies said. Related organizations, including the Korea AI & Robot Industry Association, will support demonstrations and adoption conditions to help complete a virtuous cycle for the domestic robotics industry, they added. Hyundai Motor and Kia said they plan to use the alliance to establish a business structure supplying MobED to B2B and B2G markets and to strengthen competitiveness across South Korea’s robotics industry through a sustainable ecosystem model. At AW2026, the companies said they unveiled a mass-production MobED model in South Korea for the first time and set up a 180-square-meter hands-on booth so customers could experience the technology. The booth included structures simulating outdoor conditions — such as drainage channels, uneven surfaces, slopes and curbs — to show MobED navigating terrain that is difficult for conventional autonomous mobile robots, they said. Hyundai Motor and Kia said they are offering hands-on trials and purchase consultations at the booth. Customers who cannot visit can submit consultation requests and partnership proposals through the Robotics Lab website, they said. “MobED, whose innovation has been recognized on the global stage, has been reborn as an even more advanced robotics solution through this alliance,” said Hyun Dong-jin, executive director and head of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics Lab. “Together with our key partners, we will enhance the competitiveness of the domestic robotics industry and lead the expansion of the physical AI ecosystem.” MobED previously won the Best of Innovation award in the robotics category at CES 2026, the companies said. Hyundai Motor and Kia said they will use the alliance to apply physical AI capabilities — combining intelligent software and hardware — more broadly at industrial sites and continue developing technology so robots become practical solutions in customers’ daily lives.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 14:03:11
  • Hansung Motor Launches Mercedes-Benz Last Golden Bell March Promotion
    Hansung Motor Launches Mercedes-Benz 'Last Golden Bell' March Promotion Hansung Motor, an official Mercedes-Benz dealer, said Tuesday it will run its March “Last Golden Bell” promotion marking the 140th anniversary of Carl Benz’s 1886 invention and patent application for the first automobile. For the first 140 buyers this month of key models including the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, E 450 and A 220, the company will extend the standard three-year warranty by one year, for a total of four years. The offer is aimed at reducing maintenance and ownership costs and will end once the allotment is filled. Hansung Motor is also offering a weekend-only benefit for customers who sign contracts at showrooms on March 7-8 and March 14-15. Those buyers will receive a Mercedes-Benz mini travel bag. Customers who take delivery within March will be entered into a lucky-draw event, with 140 winners to receive prizes including Rimowa luggage, an LG air purifier and items from the official Mercedes-Benz collection. In addition, existing Hansung Motor customers who repurchase a vehicle will receive an extra 1% discount on all models during March, capped at 1 million won. “We prepared this promotion to provide customers with practical benefits and satisfaction in celebration of the 140th anniversary,” CEO Kim Marco said. “Since it is limited to March, we hope it will be a special opportunity.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 10:12:16
  • Lotus Korea Offers Low-Rate Financing Deals on Emira and Eletre
    Lotus Korea Offers Low-Rate Financing Deals on Emira and Eletre Lotus Cars Korea said Tuesday it is launching a special low-interest financing promotion for its flagship models, the Eletre and Emira. The offer is built around 60-month terms, the company said, and is designed to either eliminate upfront costs or cut interest rates to the 0% range, depending on customer needs. Customers who choose a 60-month operating lease with a deposit equal to 30% of the vehicle price and no prepayment will receive an ultra-low rate in the 0% range. For buyers who want no money down, the company said a 60-month operating lease can be set with both prepayment and deposit at 0 won; that option still carries a low rate in the early 2% range. Lotus Cars Korea said its 60-month financial lease and installment plans, aimed at customers seeking eventual ownership, also apply the same 0% range ultra-low rate with a 0 won down payment. The benefits apply to both the mid-engine Emira sports car and the Eletre, the brand’s first all-electric hyper SUV. A Lotus Cars Korea official said Lotus’ “pure driving” feel is realized only when drivers take the wheel on the road, adding that now is a good time to buy as the Emira nears discontinuation and the Eletre represents the brand’s new future. More details are available through Lotus Cars Korea’s flagship showroom. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 10:00:19