Korea’s second-largest automaker Kia Motors has established a service center dedicated to electric vehicles for the first time in the country, the firm said Sunday. The automaker has set up an EV Workbay at six service centers nationwide, operated by Auto Q. It hopes to enhance the efficiency of EV customers’ vehicle inspection and mechanics’ work convenience. The launch comes in line with the imminent launch of its new EV lineup -- including Niro EV and Soul Booster EV.  Mechanics inspect a veh

South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor and its sister company Kia Motors invested 106 billion won ($89.23 million) in a Croatian manufacturer of high-performance electric cars, a move to target the emerging high-end market for race cars powered by electricity, the company said Tuesday.Under the partnership with Rimac, Hyundai plans to unveil two prototype models for hypercars next year, one powered by electricity and one by hydrogen. The investment aims to position Hyundai as leader in the global

With advanced manufacturing and export capacities, Renault Samsung Motors in South Korea stands out as strategically important for the global auto giant, with Renault Group’s head for the AMI and Asia-Pacific region, excluding China, coming to the country for a visit soon, according to the firm Thursday. AMI refers to Africa, the Middle East and India. In a video message, Fabrice Cambolive, chairman of Renault’s AMI-APAC headquarters, described Korea as one of the carmaker’s major manufacturing

SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island -- Despite differences in market characteristics and environment, businesses engaged in electric vehicle developments in Southeast Asia can grow together through a concerted effort to build regional partnerships on zero emission cars, experts said Tuesday. At an international conference held on the sidelines of the annual International Electric Vehicle Expo, business representatives, scholars and industry observers highlighted the need for raising voices for more private an

Organizers exclude hydrogen vehicles, questioning reliability, public support

Businesspeople, experts, investors and government representatives from around the world will gather on the South Korean resort island of Jeju to promote carbon-free mobility technology at an international exhibition that kicks off Wednesday. The sixth annual International Electric Vehicle Expo -- the world’s first and largest event dedicated entirely to EVs and EV components, technology and infrastructure -- runs May 8-11 at International Convention Center Jeju, organizers said Monday. Ioniq (Hy

South Korea's transport ministry on Sunday issued recall orders for 11,500 units of 58 different imported cars, including those from BMW, Volkswagen and Honda.The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said 2,461 units of Germany-based carmaker BMW's 320d and 116i models will be recalled, citing battery problems.  (Yonhap)Around 2,000 units of 22 different BMW models, including the 523i, will also be recalled over heater issues.Another 2,000 units of seven Volkswagen models, including th

Amid ongoing labor disputes, the management of Renault Samsung has decided to suspend operations at its plant in the southeastern port city of Busan for three days starting Monday. It is the first time operations of the Busan plant have been temporarily suspended by the management, not by unionized workers who have staged partial strikes for months.  Renault Samsung's Busan plantThe move is widely viewed as an attempt by the management to realign its strategy before reengaging in labor negotiati

BMW interior designer Kim Nury says freshness was key to winning design competition for new 3 series

Hyundai Motor said Wednesday its first-quarter operating profit came in at 824.9 billion won ($718 million), up 21.1 percent from last year, boosted by sales of its latest sport utility vehicle model Palisade, which hit the market in December. According to the automaker, first-quarter sales increased 6.9 percent to 23.9 trillion won, while net profit jumped 30.4 percent to 953.8 billion won.  Hyundai Motor’s Palisade (Hyundai Motor)Although Hyundai Motor’s global sales decreased 2.7 percent to 1

Automaker strives to pull up sales by diversifying sales channels, including discount stores

Market predicts automaker’s improved Q1 performance based on Palisade’s popularity

One challenge many automakers face with sport utility vehicles is how to maintain their off-road capabilities while still appealing to daily SUV users.Jeep, an SUV brand under the Fiat Chrysler Automobile group, faced this challenge with its iconic Wrangler, which maintains its rough and tough off-roader image. Many drivers still believe the Wrangler suits hard-core off-roading enthusiasts driving on dusty, unpaved surfaces. But to break from its conventional image and expand its customer base,

South Korean auto giant Hyundai Motor has named Jose Munoz, a former Nissan executive, as global chief operating officer in charge of sales in the Americas, the company said Friday. Munoz is to oversee the performance of the carmaker’s regional offices in North America and Latin America, the company said, announcing his appointment as president and CEO of both Hyundai Motor North America and Hyundai Motor America. He will play a leading role in improving the overall profitability of the carmaker

There is no doubt that the Wrangler is the most off-road capable vehicle made by Jeep, the iconic 4-by-4 sport utility vehicle maker with a 70-year history under Fiat Chrysler Automobile group. With an aim to expand the customer base of the Wrangler in Korea, Jeep has completed the full all-new Wrangler lineup here, now with six trims that range from the two-door Sports and Rubicon to the four-door Sports, Rubicon, Overland and Rubicon Power Top.  Jeep's All-new Wrangler (FCA Korea)The Italian-A