Hyundai Motor Group has set its eyes on the Middle East, one of the fastest-growing markets for the automobile, construction and steel industries. “We will give our dealers full support in sales in order to meet our long-term sales plan and goals,” said company vice chairman Chung Eui-sun on Tuesday at a meeting of 300 global Hyundai Motor dealers from around the world held in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. This was the first time the world’s fifth-largest carmaker had held a dealers’ meetin

Jaguar Land Rover Korea has appointed Baek Jung-hyun as its new managing director, the company said Wednesday.Baek has been working as the acting managing director since December, and will oversee marketing, service and sales of all Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in Korea.  Baek Jung-hyun“Baek is responsible for the company’s high performance and has the right management qualities to lead its sustainable growth,” the company said in a press release. Jaguar Land Rover sold 6,664 units in 2014 and

Ssangyong Motor will showcase its compact sport utility vehicle Tivoli at the Auto Shanghai 2015 on Wednesday, targeting China, the world’s fastest-growing SUV market. The Tivoli, which will be sold under the name Tivolan in China, will be the creme de la creme of Ssangyong’s SUV lineups and cement the carmaker’s status as a thriving SUV maker in the country, the company said.“China has been constantly growing and its SUV market is a great opportunity for Ssanyong. With our iconic Korando C and

Design: 4, Interior:3, Engine:3.5, Fuel Economy:4, Cost & A/S: 3.5The all-new Mondeo has its virtues. At the press test drive on a rainy April 14, the fifth-generation of Ford’s iconic sedan provided a dynamic and stable ride, with its 2.0 diesel engine flaunting 180 horsepower and a maximum torque of 20.8 kilogram meters.  Over 60 kilometers of wet, sometimes winding and bumpy roads, the car’s suspension worked well when going over speedbumps. The steering wheel was soft, adding a sense of stab

Japanese hybrid vehicle powerhouse hopes to sell 150 units a month

Despite the growing influence of Korean automotive battery makers like LG Chem, Japanese manufacturers dominated the sector last year, taking more than 70 percent market share, a local energy market research firm said. “A survey of batteries used for electric cars registered in 25 countries found that Japanese companies swept the market with a 71 percent share, followed by Korean makers with 17.3 percent,’’ said Yoo Shin-jae, vice president of SNE Research.The SNE conducted the research on three

More than 1,000 electric vehicle experts from 45 countries will gather in Korea next month to discuss the future of the latest EV trend and technology. Under the theme “e-Motional Technology for Humans,” 150 global EV-related companies will showcase their products, ranging from EVs to electric bikes and auto parts at 405 pavilions. A total of 10,000 businesspeople and experts will attend the 28th International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition, the organizing committee said Wednesday. Th

Hankook Tire, the nation’s largest tire-maker, has started to supply tires to Porsche for its new SUV sports car Macan from this year, the company said Tuesday. “Supplying the OE tire to Porsche means that Hankook Tire’s techniques and brand value are well recognized in the global market,” Suh Seung-hwa, vice chairman and CEO, said Tuesday.The new Ventus S1 evo2 SUV, which will be supplied for Porsche’s Macan, has a dual-layer tread that minimizes the effects of wear by exposing high grip rubber

Seoul City plans to expand subsidies for eco-friendly vehicles

Hyundai Motor is showing off its design philosophy at the 2015 Milan Design Week ― an annual event established on the sidelines of the Milan Furniture Fair in Italy ― during which global companies from various sectors share the latest design trends in their respective industries.As part of the event, South Korea's largest automaker is displaying a sculpture titled “Helio Curve,” the second artwork created under the company’s ongoing “Sculpture in Motion” project ― launched to help the public bet

A growing number of people living in cities are packing up, when the spring starts, to escape the hustle and bustle of their daily life, and to take a pause amid the nice weather. This seasonal factor boosts demand for family and leisure-oriented cars, including sport utility vehicles. The new BMW X3, a midsize luxury SUV by the German carmaker, could be one of the best options for those who gear up for not only dynamic driving, but also safe driving with their family. It has returned with impro

The year 2015 seems to be seeing a renaissance of imported cars in Korea as the number of foreign cars sold here in a month exceeded 20,000 for the first time.Now all eyes are on whether imported cars can take up 20 percent of the domestic car market, the lion’s share of which ― nearly 70 percent ― is held by domestic juggernauts Hyundai and Kia as well as other local players including GM Korea, Renault Samsung and Ssangyong.  According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Associat