Journalist

Lee Seong-jin
  • 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
  • KAI, Chosun University sign deal for AI-aerospace education partnership
    KAI, Chosun University sign deal for AI-aerospace education partnership Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said Thursday it signed a memorandum of understanding with Chosun University to develop artificial intelligence-integrated education in the aerospace sector. The agreement is aimed at meeting rising demand for future aerospace talent by systematically training AI-based aerospace specialists, while promoting exchanges of new technologies and joint research and development, KAI said. The two organizations plan to deepen education and research cooperation in stages, focusing on the fast-growing field of AI-based integrated product support (IPS) for aerospace. They also said they will pursue a sustainable partnership that links education, research and projects by joining industry- and government-connected initiatives. Under the agreement, KAI and Chosun University will jointly use education and research programs and facilities and seek and carry out support projects to train aerospace professionals. They also plan to cooperate on research tasks, consortium formation and other steps needed to take part in R&D and related support programs. Park Kyung Eun, an executive vice president at KAI, said the deal is a starting point for connecting AI-based IPS education and research with industrial needs to produce practical results. He said KAI will combine its IPS operations experience and technical capabilities with the university’s education and research to build a sustainable cooperation model. Chosun University President Kim Choon Sung said the partnership is meaningful because it will train specialists in aerospace IPS based on AI convergence capabilities and produce research results with both public value and industrial relevance through university-industry cooperation. He said the university plans to keep expanding government- and industry-linked research and education cooperation based on the agreement.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 10:21:26
  • Geely Auto Group Reports January Sales of 270,167 Vehicles; Targets 3.45 Million in 2026
    Geely Auto Group Reports January Sales of 270,167 Vehicles; Targets 3.45 Million in 2026 Geely Auto Group said Wednesday it sold 270,167 passenger vehicles worldwide in January, up 1% from a year earlier. New energy vehicles accounted for 124,252 of those sales, a 3% increase from the same period a year earlier. Sales outside China totaled 60,506 vehicles, up 121% year over year. Overseas NEV sales rose 76% from the previous month to 32,117. By brand, premium EV maker Zeekr sold 23,852 vehicles in January, up 99.7% from a year earlier. The company has officially launched its premium electric shooting brake, the 7GT, in 12 major European countries including Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Geely, the group’s largest brand, sold 82,990 vehicles. Lynk & Co delivered 28,877 vehicles, up 12% from a year earlier, pushing its cumulative global sales past 1.71 million. Geely Auto Group attributed the results to Geely Holding Group’s “One Geely” strategy, which links brands including Zeekr, Geely and Lynk & Co, as well as Volvo, Polestar and Lotus. The plan is a five-year blueprint aimed at 2030 that focuses on tighter coordination among brands, stronger global cooperation and building strategic capabilities. Under the strategy, Geely Holding Group aims by 2030 to achieve: combined global sales of more than 6.5 million passenger and commercial vehicles; revenue of more than 1 trillion yuan (about 209 trillion won); a top-five global ranking by sales; a 75% share for NEVs; and raising the share of sales outside China to more than one-third. A Geely Auto Group official said the company has set a 2026 sales target of 3.45 million vehicles and plans to sell 640,000 vehicles in overseas markets, led by Zeekr and Lynk & Co. The official said the group will accelerate new-model launches, expand its global network and improve customer experience to support sustainable growth and long-term value worldwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 09:10:03
  • Hyundai Motor offers up to 1 million won coupon bonus for certified used-car sellers
    Hyundai Motor offers up to 1 million won coupon bonus for certified used-car sellers Hyundai Motor Co. said Wednesday it will continue a customer promotion starting this month that offers “The Dream” coupons to users of Hyundai Certified Used Cars. The coupon can be used when customers use the platform’s “sell my car” service. Eligible models will change each month and can be checked on the Hyundai Certified Used Cars website. Depending on the vehicle, the coupon can raise the final appraisal price by up to 1 million won when selling to Hyundai Certified Used Cars. Eligible vehicles are accident-free Hyundai and Genesis models that meet both requirements: one to four years in service and 5,000 to 100,000 kilometers (about 3,100 to 62,100 miles) of mileage. For February, Hyundai will provide 500,000 won for the Avante, Sonata, Grandeur, Casper, Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. Genesis will provide 1 million won for the GV60, the electrified GV70 and the electrified G80. Hyundai also launched an “All-in-One Care” service that links the full process from used-car purchase to resale and provides integrated guidance on customer benefits. The company said it will notify customers of available benefits at each stage — purchase, use and resale — through text messages and other methods. Hyundai said customers will be able to more easily track benefits including converting 0.1% of the purchase amount into membership points, a one-year/20,000-kilometer warranty, and a “trade-in” discount when buying a new Hyundai vehicle after selling a used car. A Hyundai official said Hyundai Certified Used Cars is working to provide a used-car experience customers can trust, based on a philosophy that “the maker cares for it to the end,” and said the company will continue to run customer support programs to improve the customer experience.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 08:48:00
  • Korean Air Says It Successfully Tested 5-Meter Satellite Antenna Deployment System
    Korean Air Says It Successfully Tested 5-Meter Satellite Antenna Deployment System Korean Air said Wednesday it has successfully completed a development test of a large, satellite-mounted antenna deployment system in partnership with the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology in Defense. The company said it plans to expand the work into a core technology for next-generation satellites tied to national security, aiming to strengthen competitiveness in the space industry. Korean Air said it carried out a successful test last month at the CAMTIC Institute of Technology in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, involving a 5-meter-class antenna deployment system. The test was conducted as part of a defense core-technology project led by the defense technology institute, titled “Deployable large satellite-mounted antenna deployment system,” with participants from the institute, CAMTIC, Steplab and Korea Aerospace University, among others. The key to the technology is minimizing volume at launch by storing the large antenna folded inside the launch vehicle, then deploying it to full size after reaching the target orbit. Because the antenna must deploy precisely without error in the space environment, the system is considered a major factor in determining satellite performance. Korean Air said the test confirmed that a 5-meter satellite antenna deployment device operated as designed. The company said the results showed stable deployment while maintaining the antenna’s shape in extreme space conditions, resolved mechanical interference in the complex deployment structure, and maintained high precision through repeated deployment cycles. Korean Air said the outcome also validated the effectiveness of its independently designed and manufactured “antenna deployment mechanism.” The company said it will use the test data to accelerate development of its final goal: a large antenna deployment system. Korean Air said it will continue pursuing technologies for the future space era, including ultra-high-resolution Earth observation satellites capable of distinguishing objects as small as 10 centimeters on the ground and 6G satellite communications technology, and that it aims to play a key role in next-generation satellite development linked to national security. “As a leading company in South Korea’s aerospace industry, we will continue to do our best to advance national space assets and help the country move toward becoming a major space power, based on the technological capabilities we have built,” a Korean Air official said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 08:42:49
  • Hyundai Glovis to Use AI to Plan Car-Carrier Loading, Cutting Time in Half
    Hyundai Glovis to Use AI to Plan Car-Carrier Loading, Cutting Time in Half Hyundai Glovis said Wednesday it will introduce its in-house “AI-based ship loading plan” technology on its car carriers. A loading plan is a pre-departure design for where cargo should be placed to improve transport efficiency and safety. Hyundai Glovis said its AI algorithm automatically generates optimized loading positions after users enter information such as the types and number of vehicles to be loaded and the ports for loading and unloading. The system considers port-call order as well as cargo weight and height. A single car carrier typically transports thousands of vehicles bound for multiple destinations. If the plan is wrong, vehicles that must be unloaded at an intermediate port can be blocked by vehicles headed to later destinations. That can force crews to unload large numbers of vehicles and reload them, causing delays and additional costs. The company said the AI-based planning can prevent such inefficiencies in advance, reducing wasted time and expense. For heavy, oversized cargo such as construction equipment, planners must also account for each deck’s height and load limits and place cargo lower in the ship to distribute weight evenly. Seaworthiness — the ability to maintain safe balance while sailing — is a key factor in loading plans. Hyundai Glovis said the algorithm runs on its proprietary data-design technology, for which it has completed a patent application. The company said it created a data model that breaks a car carrier’s interior into detailed decks and zones to represent structural characteristics and possible movement routes, allowing the AI to judge vehicle paths and feasible placement locations. Because car carriers differ in internal structure and cargo mixes change each voyage, the company said it has been difficult to apply a single standard. It also said more than 6,000 vehicles can be loaded for one trip, requiring many specialists and significant time to produce a plan. A Hyundai Glovis official said loading and unloading based on the AI-generated plan showed safety and efficiency similar to plans designed by specialists, while planning time fell by about half from the previous level of about 27 hours. The official said the company expects the reduction to exceed 90% as the technology advances. Hyundai Glovis said it will apply the technology sequentially across all of its car carriers in operation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-12 08:36:00