Korean EV battery-makers uneasy as Trump stays silent on tariffs

Trump could target battery materials sourced from China, sources say South Korean battery companies are closely monitoring the second Donald Trump administration’s potential imposition of tariffs on key battery materials produced in Korea. The concern follows the enforcement of 25 percent duties on Korean steel and aluminum that took effect Wednesday, with additional tariffs expected next month. While electric vehicle batteries are currently exempt from the proposed tariffs — set to be enforced

March 12, 2025

[Photo News] Czech Republic honors Hyundai Motor chief

Czech Republic Ambassador to South Korea Ivan Jancarek (left) honors Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun with recognition from the Czech government for "service to diplomacy" at the Korean auto conglomerate's headquarters in Seoul on Monday. Hyundai Motor established a manufacturing plant in Nosovice, the Czech Republic, in 2008, as its European production foothold. The factory can produce up to 300,000 vehicles per year. (Ambassador Ivan Jancarek's X post)

March 11, 2025

Hyundai Motor to build 2nd hydrogen facility in Ulsan

Hyundai Motor Company is poised to set up its second hydrogen fuel cell production facility at its Ulsan plant, ramping up its growth momentum in the hydrogen-powered electric vehicle market. According to media reports on Tuesday, the automaker is in talks with the Ulsan plant labor union to build the hydrogen facility adjacent to the factory’s existing auto transmission manufacturing site. This new production base will be the company’s second, following the one in Guangzhou, China, and the firs

March 11, 2025

Hyundai Motor bolsters hydrogen alliance with Japan

Automaker participates in Korea-Japan parliamentary meeting to discuss collaboration in clean energy sector Hyundai Motor is taking part in the Korea-Japan parliamentary association’s visit in Japan this week to establish a hydrogen network and activate hydrogen exchanges and collaboration, the Korean automaker said Monday. Hyundai Motor pointed out that it plans to set up hydrogen partnerships in Japan through this event as the two countries look to build an ecosystem for the hydrogen industry

March 10, 2025

Hyundai retains No. 3 spot in EV sales outside China

Hyundai Motor Group maintained its position as the third-largest automaker in electric vehicle sales outside China in January, according to a report by SNE Research released Monday. The report stated that Hyundai Motor Group delivered 37,000 EVs — including all-electric and plug-in hybrid models — outside of China in January, holding onto the third-place ranking it achieved last year. In the global EV market share rankings, which exclude China, Hyundai Motor Group held an 8 percent market share,

March 10, 2025

LG Energy Solution, Yonsei University advance electrode tech for EV batteries

LG Energy Solution said Monday that its joint research team with Yonsei University has made a breakthrough in next-generation dry electrode manufacturing technology for electric vehicle batteries. Electrodes, a key component affecting battery performance, are typically produced using a wet process that involves solvents to create a slurry, which is then coated onto a metal foil and dried. This method is energy- and time-intensive, requires substantial facility investments, and limits the energy

March 10, 2025

S. Korea ranks 7th in domestic vehicle output in 2024

South Korea ranked seventh in the world in terms of domestic vehicle output last year, an industry association said Monday, down one notch from a year earlier due to a drop in output amid an economic slowdown. The country's domestic car production fell to 4.13 million units in 2024 from 4.24 million a year ago as local consumption slowed, according to a report released by the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association. High inflation and high interest rates weighed on consumer sentiment in 2024, dr

March 10, 2025

Kia sells over 4,000 units of Tasman pickup truck in first month of launch

Kia Corp., South Korea's second-biggest carmaker, said Sunday it has sold over 4,000 units of its first pickup truck, the Kia Tasman, less than a month since its release, raising expectations it will revitalize the local pickup truck market. Kia sold more than 4,000 Tasman trucks in February, accounting for some 30 percent of all pickup truck sales in the country last month, according to company officials. The feat comes in just 17 days since the carmaker launched its first-ever pickup truck in

March 9, 2025

SK On to develop AI-powered model for operational efficiency by 2028

SK On is set to develop an in-house artificial intelligence-powered model to optimize its electric vehicle battery production and enhance cost and operational efficiency across its business, according to the firm's executive. Dubbed the “Battery Foundation Model,” this advanced AI system will create a framework using big data to guide business operations or decision-making processes, according to Kim Sang-jin, vice president and head of the new form factor product development office at SK On, du

March 7, 2025

Kia EV3 sweeps award in the UK Car of the Year 2025

South Korea's second-largest carmaker Kia said the EV3, its small electrified SUV, has been crowned UK Car of the Year 2025. The UK Car of the Year Awards is an independent accolade judged by a panel of leading UK journalists from the automotive, business, and technology industries. Topping the small crossover category on Feb. 20, Kia’s EV3 secured its spot as the finalist by surpassing global competitors including Hyundai Motor Group, Suzuki and Skoda. This marks the second consecutive year tha

March 7, 2025

[Photo News] New Porsche studio in Hannam

Porsche opened its fifth showroom in Korea, Porsche Studio Hannam, in Yongsan-gu, central Seoul, on Wednesday. Operated by the brand's Korean dealer, Stuttgart Sports Cars, the studio spans four floors, including a basement level, with each floor showcasing unique concepts. Porsche Korea says it will host a variety of events, from consultations for its customers to art and music programs, all designed to offer diverse experiences that deliver the brand’s value in innovative ways. (Porsche Korea)

March 6, 2025

BYD’s EV deliveries delayed amid stalled subsidy review

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD’s launch in Korea has been at a standstill for a month, as its Atto 3 SUV has failed to meet one of the Environment Ministry’s criteria for EV subsidies. According to industry sources Thursday, BYD Korea is still waiting for the ministry to approve the subsidy after the company committed to adding the "State of Charge" feature to limit the maximum charge level to below 100 percent to prevent overcharging via a software update within this year. In 2025, the mini

March 6, 2025

Move over, Tesla: Hyundai strengthens autonomous driving capabilities in US

Hyundai Motor is ramping up its autonomous driving capabilities in the United States, partnering with Texas-based startup Avride to co-develop and operate fully self-driving vehicles. According to Avride on Thursday, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding to leverage Hyundai Motor’s electric vehicle platform technology with its flagship EV Ioniq 5 and Avride’s autonomous driving technology to advance future mobility such as robotaxis and autonomous delivery services. Avride has alrea

March 6, 2025

Genesis releases revamped GV60 EV with enhanced performance features

Genesis, Hyundai Motor Group's independent luxury brand, said Thursday it has launched its revamped GV60 electric vehicle model with a suite of design and performance upgrades. The upgraded model, introduced three years and five months after the launch of the original GV60, refines the brand's "Athletic Elegance" design philosophy with enhanced details, offering a more distinctive and sophisticated interior and exterior. Equipped with an 84 kilowatt-hour fourth-generation battery, the GV60 boast

March 6, 2025

Kia partners with Gyeonggi Province, Hwaseong for future mobility ecosystem

Kia Corp. on Thursday partnered with Gyeonggi Province and the city of Hwaseong to develop an ecosystem for the future mobility industry in the region, with a focus on the automaker's purpose-built vehicles. Under a memorandum of understanding signed at Kia Autoland Hwaseong, Kia will proceed with the construction of the world's first dedicated PBV plant, the Hwaseong EVO Plant, while Gyeonggi Province and Hwaseong will support regulatory approvals and infrastructure improvements. An MOU signing

March 6, 2025