Journalist

Kim Pil-soo
  • Volvo S90 and XC90 Sales Jump in South Korea After New Models Begin Deliveries
    Volvo S90 and XC90 Sales Jump in South Korea After New Models Begin Deliveries Volvo’s flagship S90 sedan and XC90 SUV are posting rising sales in South Korea. Volvo Car Korea said on the 19th that since full-scale deliveries of the new S90 and XC90 began in July last year, sales have increased 57.5% and 95.5%, respectively, compared with the first half of the year. The S90 is the brand’s flagship sedan, combining Volvo technology with the lifestyle the company says it aims to deliver. It measures 5,090 millimeters in length with a 3,060-millimeter wheelbase, which Volvo said provides roomy comfort beyond its class. The interior reflects a “Swedish living room” concept, using a mix of high-quality materials. Rear air suspension, previously limited to the top trim, is now standard on the B5 Ultra trim. Volvo said the system automatically adjusts ride height and damping based on road conditions and load. The plug-in hybrid T8 model was named “Hybrid Sedan of the Year” by the Korea Automobile Writers Association (AWAK), which cited both the electrified powertrain’s completeness and the sedan’s quietness and driving quality. The XC90 is Volvo’s representative SUV, showcasing the company’s technology and product competitiveness. Exterior updates focus on new matrix LED headlights and changes to the front bumper, fenders and hood details. Like the S90, the cabin follows the “Swedish living room” theme, combining recycled polyester textile, wood trim and upgraded ambient lighting. The XC90 is offered with a plug-in hybrid T8 and a mild-hybrid B6 powertrain, which Volvo said deliver efficiency and performance suited to the electrification era. Both vehicles come standard with Volvo’s next-generation user experience system, “Volvo Car UX.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-19 18:03:00
  • Hyundai’s U.S. sales hit January record as SUVs and hybrids drive growth
    Hyundai’s U.S. sales hit January record as SUVs and hybrids drive growth Hyundai Motor is extending its momentum in the U.S. market on the strength of SUVs and hybrids, with January sales topping 60,000 for the first time as it pushes for another annual record. Industry data released Tuesday showed Hyundai’s U.S. retail sales in January totaled 60,794 vehicles, up 2.4% from 59,355 a year earlier. Sedan sales, including the Sonata and Ioniq 6, fell 12.6% to 13,569. But RV sales — including SUVs such as the Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade — rose 7.8% to 47,225, accounting for 77.7% of Hyundai’s U.S. sales. A Hyundai official said the Santa Fe and the all-new Palisade stood out, strengthening the company’s position in the family SUV segment. Hyundai’s U.S. market share in January rose 0.2 percentage points from a year earlier to 5.5%. Hyundai has been setting annual sales records in the United States. Last year, its U.S. sales rose 7.9% from a year earlier to 984,017 vehicles, and it surpassed 1 million on a wholesale basis. Hybrids have also been a major driver. Since launching Sonata Hybrid sales in the U.S. in 2011, Hyundai has sold a total of 1,014,943 eco-friendly vehicles — including hybrids, EVs and hydrogen vehicles — through last month. Hybrids accounted for 759,359 vehicles, about 75% of the total. In January alone, Hyundai’s U.S. hybrid sales jumped 51.9% from a year earlier to 14,316. The Tucson Hybrid, introduced in the U.S. in 2021, has sold 233,793 units through January, the company said. According to the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association’s “2025 U.S. Electric Powertrain Vehicle Market Analysis,” U.S. sales of eco-friendly vehicles rose 12.7% last year to 3,575,924 despite slower EV sales, helped by strong hybrid demand. Hybrid sales climbed 27.6% to 2.05 million. Hyundai said it plans to broaden its lineup and strengthen local production as the market shifts. In the U.S., it currently sells four hybrid models, seven EV models and one hydrogen fuel cell model. The Palisade hybrid, launched locally last year, won the utility category at the “2026 North American Car of the Year” awards, citing strong reviews of Hyundai’s next-generation hybrid system. Hyundai also plans to add hybrid production by introducing a mixed-model production system at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, its EV production hub. It aims to expand annual capacity to 500,000 vehicles from 300,000.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-18 18:03:00
  • Boston Dynamics Robotics Research VP Scott Kuindersma to Step Down
    Boston Dynamics Robotics Research VP Scott Kuindersma to Step Down Hyundai Motor Group robotics unit Boston Dynamics said Scott Kuindersma, vice president of robotics research, has submitted his resignation. Industry sources said Feb. 18 that Kuindersma wrote on social media that he decided in January to leave Boston Dynamics. “Starting with a small research team, we became the first to showcase humanoid robot parkour, and it has been an incredible journey all the way to launching Atlas, a product with the potential to reshape industrial automation,” he wrote. “I’m truly grateful for the chance to build, fail, learn and celebrate achievements with the world’s best robotics experts.” Kuindersma joined Boston Dynamics in 2018 and played a key role in commercialization by developing control algorithms for the Atlas humanoid robot. He later was promoted to vice president overseeing robotics research across the company. Separately, Robert Playter, who has led Boston Dynamics for seven years, said he will step down as CEO on Feb. 27. Chief Financial Officer Amanda McMaster will serve as interim CEO until the board names a successor. 2026-02-18 11:51:00
  • Hyundai Tops 1 Million Eco-Friendly Vehicle Sales in U.S., Hybrids Lead
    Hyundai Tops 1 Million Eco-Friendly Vehicle Sales in U.S., Hybrids Lead Hyundai Motor Co. has surpassed 1 million cumulative sales of eco-friendly vehicles in the U.S. market. The automaker said Feb. 18 that since it began selling the Sonata Hybrid in the United States in 2011, it has sold a total of 1,014,943 eco-friendly vehicles through January, including hybrids, electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Sales have climbed sharply in recent years, reaching 75,009 units in 2021 — more than triple the prior year — then 98,443 in 2022 and 159,549 in 2023. In 2024, Hyundai sold 204,115 eco-friendly vehicles in the U.S., topping 200,000 for the first time. Their share of Hyundai’s U.S. sales rose to 22.4%, also the first time it exceeded 20%. Last year, Hyundai set an annual record with 259,419 eco-friendly vehicles sold, lifting the share to 26.4% — about one out of every four vehicles it sold in the U.S. In January, eco-friendly vehicle sales rose more than 30% from a year earlier to 17,408, the highest January total on record, the company said. By type, hybrids accounted for 759,359 units, or 75% of cumulative eco-friendly sales. EVs totaled 253,728, followed by 1,856 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Hyundai’s best-selling eco-friendly model in the U.S. was the Tucson Hybrid. Since its U.S. debut in 2021, it has sold 233,793 units through January. Next were the Sonata Hybrid with 205,420 and the Ioniq 5 with 150,618. Hyundai currently sells four hybrid models, seven EV models and one hydrogen fuel cell model in the U.S. The Palisade Hybrid, launched locally last year, won the utility category at the “2026 North American Car of the Year” awards in January, Hyundai said. Hyundai is expanding eco-friendly vehicle production at its Alabama plant (HMMA) and at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA). Eco-friendly vehicle sales from the two plants totaled 132,533 last year, about 50 times higher than in 2022, the first year of mass production. The company plans to add hybrid production by introducing a mixed-model production system at HMGMA, its EV manufacturing hub. It also plans to expand annual capacity from 300,000 units to 500,000.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-18 10:27:00
  • South Korean Airlines Had 441 Aircraft at End of Last Year; 15% Were Over 20 Years Old
    South Korean Airlines Had 441 Aircraft at End of Last Year; 15% Were Over 20 Years Old South Korean airlines had about 450 aircraft at the end of last year, according to data submitted to the government. Rep. Lee Yeon-hee of the Democratic Party, a member of the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, said Feb. 18 that figures provided via the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport by 12 South Korean carriers showed they held a total of 441 aircraft at year’s end: 401 passenger planes and 40 freighters. That was up 25 aircraft from a year earlier (416). Passenger planes increased by 27, while freighters fell by two. The combined fleet stood at 414 aircraft in 2019, then dropped to 366 in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has climbed since, reaching 370 in 2022 and 393 in 2023, as passenger demand recovered and newer airlines expanded. By carrier, Korean Air had 167 aircraft at the end of last year — 144 passenger planes and 23 freighters — up two from a year earlier. Its fleet included 45 Boeing 777s, 27 Boeing 787s, 24 Boeing 737s and 19 Airbus A321s. Asiana Airlines, which is preparing to merge with Korean Air, operated 68 passenger aircraft, down 15 from the previous year. Asiana sold its cargo business unit in August to cargo-only carrier Air Zeta (formerly Air Incheon). Among low-cost carriers, T’way Air had the largest passenger fleet with 46 aircraft, up eight, helped by the introduction of Boeing’s next-generation 737-8. Jeju Air followed with 45 aircraft — 43 passenger planes and two freighters — up four. The airline has not sharply expanded its fleet as it focuses on modernization after a passenger-plane accident. Hanjin Group’s three low-cost carriers — Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul — maintained their fleet sizes at 31, 21 and six passenger aircraft, respectively. Eastar Jet expanded to 20 passenger planes after adding five 737-8s last year. Air Zeta held 15 freighters after adding 11 aircraft transferred from Asiana, including 10 Boeing 747s and one Boeing 767. Aero K and Air Premia each had nine passenger aircraft, up three apiece. Parata Air, a new airline that began flying in September, operated four aircraft. The data also showed 67 aircraft — 15.2% of the total — were more than 20 years old and classified as aging aircraft subject to special oversight by the transport ministry. Those aircraft were operated by Korean Air (28), Air Zeta (15), Jin Air (8), Jeju Air (6), Asiana (5), Aero K (3) and Air Busan (2). Airlines are bringing in newer aircraft and retiring older planes to reduce safety concerns and improve passenger satisfaction and fuel efficiency. They reported to the ministry plans to add 55 aircraft this year and dispose of 32, including aging planes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-18 10:09:00
  • Genesis Extends PGA Tour Genesis Invitational Title Sponsorship Through 2030
    Genesis Extends PGA Tour Genesis Invitational Title Sponsorship Through 2030 Genesis will remain the title sponsor of the PGA Tour tournament the Genesis Invitational through 2030. Genesis said it held a contract-signing ceremony on Feb. 17 (local time) at Riviera Country Club in California with the PGA Tour and the Tiger Woods Foundation, extending the title sponsorship through 2030. Attendees included PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp; Tiger Woods, whose foundation runs the event; Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun; Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon; Hyundai Motor CEO Jose Munoz; North America chief Randy Parker; and Genesis head Lee Si-hyuk, among others. The Genesis Invitational traces its roots to the LA Open, founded in 1926, and marks 100 years of history this year. The PGA Tour event has been tied to milestones such as Jack Nicklaus’ pro debut and Woods’ first PGA Tour appearance. Genesis became title sponsor in 2017, when the tournament was known as the Genesis Open, and continued through its elevation to the Genesis Invitational in 2020. “PGA Tour is proud that Genesis has continued to support the Genesis Invitational, where the world’s best players compete,” Rolapp said. Woods said the partnership with Genesis “was an opportunity to find new ways to grow the tournament,” adding that he appreciated the company’s continued interest and support for both the event and the Tiger Woods Foundation. Chung said it was meaningful to expand the partnership with the PGA Tour, Woods and the Tiger Woods Foundation and to continue sponsoring the tournament through 2030. He called the century-old event a symbol of golf’s tradition and heritage and said it also reflects Genesis values of authenticity, respect and excellence. He added that the milestone would help partners carry on the tournament’s legacy and contribute to creating value for local communities and future generations beyond golf. Genesis has been expanding its global golf sponsorships, including a deal signed in May last year with the PGA Tour through 2030 as its first official automotive sponsor, and an extension in July last year of its title sponsorship of the Genesis Scottish Open through 2030. The 2026 Genesis Invitational, the first held after the renewal, will be played Feb. 19-22 (local time) at Riviera Country Club, which also marks its 100th anniversary this year. The total purse is $20 million; the winner will receive $3.5 million and a GV80 Coupe Black model. Genesis said it plans to display 18 vehicles at key locations such as the Genesis Lounge and Genesis Skybox, including the GV60 Magma model, the X Gran Equator concept, the Electrified GV70 model and the GV80 Coupe, to showcase its products to spectators and TV viewers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-18 09:36:00
  • Test drive: Genesis GV60 Magma balances high performance with daily comfort
    Test drive: Genesis GV60 Magma balances high performance with daily comfort Genesis’ first high-performance electric vehicle, the GV60 Magma, stood out immediately with its vivid orange paint when it was shown Feb. 10 at Genesis Suji in Yongin, south of Seoul. The front blends Genesis’ signature twin-line headlamps with a wide grille-style panel, while the coupe-like roofline gives the SUV a more athletic profile. The rear finish and detailing are designed to look balanced and stable. The GV60 Magma’s strengths were clearer on the road. The test route covered about 100 kilometers round trip from the Genesis Suji showroom to the Korea Automobile Testing and Research Institute (KATRI) in Hwaseong, via the Suwon Northern Ring Road, the Gwacheon-Bongdam Urban Expressway and the Bibong-Maesong Urban Expressway. The mix of national roads, limited-access roads and highways highlighted both long-distance cruising and everyday drivability. One of the first things drivers notice is the seat. The Magma-specific bucket seats provide strong lateral support without becoming uncomfortable over longer stints, aiming to suit both spirited driving and daily use. A seat slab helps stabilize the lower body under acceleration and braking, while remaining comfortable on regular roads. Despite ultra-high-performance tires — 275 mm wide up front with a 35% aspect ratio — the cabin stays notably quiet for a performance EV. Genesis credits added sound-absorbing and insulating materials, motor control that reduces harmonic noise, and a design that suppresses gear noise. A key feature is Active Road Noise Control (ANC-R). Accelerometers mounted on the suspension detect low-frequency road noise, and the audio system plays an opposite-phase signal to cancel it. Cabin microphones continuously adjust the control logic to maintain quiet even at higher speeds. In city traffic and on major roads, Comfort or Range mode was sufficient, supported by a 175-kW front motor and a 303-kW rear motor. Switching to GT mode changes the electronically controlled suspension’s character: road feedback becomes clearer through the steering wheel, and steering weight increases. The ride does not become harsh, filtering unpleasant impacts while keeping the car usable on public roads. The variable electronic dampers control body motion without losing compliance. In gentle high-speed corners, the chassis allows natural roll without float, working with a thicker stabilizer bar to underline GT mode’s focus on high-speed cruising. GT mode also emphasizes power distribution. Even at higher speeds, it maintains rear-motor-biased driving, aiming to deliver the stable acceleration feel of rear-wheel drive while also improving efficiency — a key draw for long highway runs. Sprint mode opens up the full performance setup. The motors, suspension, steering and e-LSD switch to Sport Plus settings, delivering maximum output within the electronic stability control’s intervention range. Pressing the accelerator beyond 95% triggers a 15-second boost mode automatically. The suspension firms up without feeling rough, and the tires maintain confident contact on uneven pavement. On curving highway sections, restrained roll and smoothly building lateral acceleration support a steady driving rhythm. Genesis said the GV60 Magma reaches 100 kph from a standstill in 3.4 seconds and 200 kph in 10.9 seconds. In drag runs at the Automobile Safety Research Institute, the combination of launch control and boost mode delivered strong acceleration, and braking performance stood out. The vehicle remained stable under hard stops despite a curb weight of 2,250 kilograms. A Genesis official said the GV60 Magma was developed to prioritize balance rather than the traditional approach to luxury high performance. The official said the company aims to use new technology to position Magma not as a sub-brand, but as a way to showcase Genesis’ engineering globally.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-13 08:33:00
  • India Emerges as Next EV Battleground as Hyundai, Mahindra Step Up Investment
    India Emerges as Next EV Battleground as Hyundai, Mahindra Step Up Investment India is rapidly emerging as the next major battleground for electric vehicles, driven by rising incomes and government-led policies to accelerate the shift to EVs. Global automakers are moving in, and Hyundai Motor is speeding up plans to expand its EV lineup as Indian companies prepare large investments to defend their home market. According to foreign media reports on Wednesday, Indian automaker Mahindra said it will invest US$1.65 billion (about 2.3 trillion won) over the next 10 years in Maharashtra state to expand manufacturing. A new plant set to begin production in 2028 will build internal-combustion vehicles as well as EVs and next-generation platforms. Mahindra is a leading Indian brand competing with Hyundai and Tata Motors for the No. 2 spot in the market. It sold 625,603 vehicles last year, up 18.4% from a year earlier, ranking second. In EVs, its sales surged 481% to 61,172 vehicles, narrowing the gap with market leader Tata, which sold 78,672. India’s total EV sales reached 198,881 last year, up 85.9% from the previous year. The Indian government aims to make EVs 30% of total vehicle sales by 2030 and is expanding charging infrastructure, with a plan to increase public chargers from 12,000 as of last year to more than 30,000 by 2027. As the market grows around domestic brands, global companies including Tesla are also joining the competition. Hyundai and Kia are seeking to expand share with SUV- and small-car-based EVs. Their EV sales in India were 786 and 292 vehicles, respectively, in 2024, but rose sharply last year to 8,291 and 4,111. Hyundai, which pursued a push to become an “Indian national brand” through a 2024 initial public offering, has said it will further strengthen transparency at its Indian unit and invest in new products, future advanced technologies and research and development, while developing India as a strategic export hub. Hyundai plans to invest 450 billion rupees (about 7.3 trillion won) in India by 2030 and is expected to launch six EV models by 2028. Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz has said, “India is a strategic priority in Hyundai’s global growth vision,” adding it will become Hyundai’s second-largest market by 2030. Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung visited Hyundai and Kia plants last month and reaffirmed a strategy to strengthen the group’s position through a 1.5 million-vehicle production system, a flexible product lineup tailored to the market and building an electrification ecosystem. India’s overall vehicle sales totaled 4,565,098 last year, up 5.7% from the previous year. Over that period, Hyundai’s sales fell 5.5% to 571,878, dropping to fourth place. Kia sold 280,286 vehicles, up 14.4%, for a market share in the 6% range.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 18:03:00
  • Kia Reopens Historic Siheung Service Center Site as Flagship Store
    Kia Reopens Historic Siheung Service Center Site as Flagship Store Kia’s Siheung Service Center, a site tied to the automaker’s early history, has reopened as the Kia Siheung Flagship Store. Kia said Thursday it has officially opened the new store as a one-stop complex where customers can view vehicles, take test drives, buy cars, receive service and experience the brand in one place. The Siheung location is Kia’s sixth flagship store, following sites in Seoul’s Gangseo district, Incheon, Bucheon, Gwangju and Wonju. Built on the former Siheung Service Center property, the new facility spans five floors above ground and two basement levels, with 21,500.98 square meters (about 6,504 pyeong) dedicated to customer experiences. Kia said it will offer expanded future-mobility programs along with differentiated purchase and service experiences. The property once housed the Siheung plant, completed in May 1957 as Kia’s third production facility after Yeongdeungpo and Busan. The plant fully mechanized bicycle manufacturing and localized key pipe materials, and later produced products that helped shape the company, including two-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles and four-wheeled trucks. The Siheung plant was converted into a service center in November 1977 and remained in that role until it was renovated over about two years and reborn as a flagship store, Kia said. Kia said the store will offer content designed to help visitors experience its advanced mobility technology and brand identity. It includes a “3D configurator” that lets customers virtually build a vehicle by combining options. Using a large media wall, visitors can view 3D images of interior and exterior details, as well as door and trunk opening and closing and turn-signal operation. The store also features a “multi-content board” that allows customers to explore vehicle specifications and access content such as the configurator, a new-technology simulator and Kia’s YouTube offerings. A “color collection” area lets visitors check exterior paint colors and interior materials in person. Kia said it currently offers physical interior and exterior material samples for four models — the EV9, K9, K8 and Carnival — and plans to expand to more vehicles. Kia also upgraded its customer consultation areas, increasing openness and offering different types of consultation spaces tailored to each display zone so customers can choose their preferred setting. For new-car buyers, the store includes a vehicle handover area called the “Kia Pickup Lounge,” where customers receive their vehicles after a reveal and quality inspection. Kia said it will also provide content to help customers learn vehicle features and how to use the Kia app. The site includes EV-focused service infrastructure, Kia said, including EV workbenches with enhanced insulation performance, a specialized high-voltage battery workshop and a facility for storing used batteries, aimed at providing safe and systematic EV maintenance services. A Kia official said the Siheung flagship store is a brand space where customers can see Kia’s vision of future mobility, adding that the company plans to further develop and diversify spaces and experiential content focused on forward-looking customer experiences.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 11:12:00
  • Korean Air advances space ambitions with successful satellite antenna test
    Korean Air advances space ambitions with successful satellite antenna test SEOUL, February 12 (AJP) - Korean Air has successfully completed a development test of a large deployable satellite antenna system in partnership with the Korea Institute for Defense Technology Promotion, marking a step forward in its efforts to expand into next-generation space technologies. The airline said Friday the test, conducted last month at the CAMTIC Institute of Technology in Jeonju, involved a 5-meter-class antenna deployment system developed under a defense core technology program led by the institute. The technology allows large satellite antennas to be folded compactly to fit inside launch vehicles and then deployed to full size once in orbit. Precise deployment in space is critical, as antenna performance directly affects satellite mission capability. Korean Air said the test confirmed the deployment device operated as designed, demonstrating stable unfolding while maintaining structural integrity under conditions simulating the space environment. The trial also resolved mechanical interference issues within the complex structure and showed high precision through repeated deployment cycles. The company added that the results validated the effectiveness of its independently designed antenna deployment mechanism and said it would use the data to accelerate development of a full-scale large antenna deployment system. Korean Air said it plans to continue strengthening capabilities in future space technologies, including ultra-high-resolution Earth observation satellites capable of distinguishing objects as small as 10 centimeters on the ground. It is also seeking to enhance capabilities in 6G satellite communications systems, aiming to play a key role in next-generation satellite programs tied to national security. “As a leading aerospace company in South Korea, we will continue to advance national space capabilities and contribute to the country’s emergence as a major space power based on our accumulated expertise,” the company said in a press release. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-02-12 11:08:37