The Korean automotive industry has come a long way in recent years, with a number of brands emerging as major players in the global market. From compact city cars to luxury sedans, Korean car brands offer a diverse range of vehicles that appeal to a wide range of buyers. South Korea is the fifth-largest in the world, when it comes to automobile unit production and export volume. Most operations started in South Korea as simply assembling parts for other foreign companies. Today South Korea is now among one of the top and most advanced car producing counties across the world.
History of Korean Car Brands
The history of Korean car brands can be traced back to the 1950s, when the Korean War ended and the country began to rebuild its economy. One of the first Korean car brands was Hyundai, which was founded in 1967. Initially, Hyundai was focused on manufacturing and assembly of vehicles under license from other brands. However, by the late 1970s, the company had begun to develop its own technology and release its own models.
In the following decades, other Korean car brands such as Kia and Ssangyong also emerged and established themselves in the domestic and international markets. Daewoo and Renault Samsung also joined the industry later in the 90s.
The Korean automobile industry has come a long way since then, with the government investing heavily in research and development to improve the technology and quality of Korean cars. Today, Korean car brands are known for their affordability and reliability, and have a reputation for producing some of the best cars in the world.
However, the Korean car industry did not only come out on top with their own efforts, in the early days of the industry, the government implemented protectionist policies and later on, entered into strategic partnerships with foreign car makers such as General Motors and Renault, which helped them to acquire the technology and expertise to produce their own cars.
The Korean car industry has a rich history, starting from humble beginnings to become a major player in the global automotive market. The dedication and hard work of the Korean car brands, along with the support from the government, has led to the development of some of the best cars in the world.
GM Korea
GM Korea Company, also known as GM Korea, was founded in 2011, and they are a subsidiary of, the American car company, General Motors (GM) Company. They are also one of South Korea’s largest vehicle manufacturer. The company’s headquarters are located in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, South Korea. The company was created as a result of GM’s acquisition of Daewoo Motor Co. in 2001, a South Korean car manufacturer that was founded in 1937. Since then, GM Korea has been responsible for the production, distribution, and marketing of GM-branded vehicles in South Korea and other parts of the world.They sell cars in more than one hundred and fifty markets over six continents.
GM Korea has played a significant role in the South Korean automotive industry, with its products being widely popular among consumers. The company’s lineup includes a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars like the Spark and Aveo to larger SUVs like the Captiva and Trailblazer. Additionally, GM Korea also manufactures vehicles for other GM brands, such as Chevrolet and Holden.
In recent years, GM Korea has faced financial difficulties and has struggled to keep up with the competition. In 2018, the company announced that it would close one of its four plants in South Korea in an effort to reduce costs. However, the South Korean government and the labor union reached an agreement with GM to keep the plant open and providing the necessary support for the company’s recovery. The company has also announced plans to focus on electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology, in order to stay competitive in the market.
Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Company was founded in 1967, by Chung Ju-yung. The company’s headquarters are in Seoul, South Korea. They are the largest car manufacturing company in South Korean, with well over four and half million units produced in 2013. Today their vehicles are sold in 193 countries, and they are the fourth largest manufacturer in the world.
In 1986, Hyundai Motor America began selling automobiles in the United States. The first model sold in the United States was the Hyundai Excel. During that year, they set the record for the most sales for a car company in the United States.
Here are some of Hyundai’s most popular models on today’s market.
- Accent (also known as the Verna in South Korea)
- Elantra (also known as the Avante or Lantra)
- Santa Fe (Santa Fe Sport and Santa Fe LWB)
- Tucson
- Genesis (Genesis Coupe
- They also produce several different models of commercial vehicles.
Kia Motors Corporation
Kia Motors Corporation, also known as just Kia, was founded in 1944. The company’s headquarters are located in Seoul, South Korea. Kia is the second largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea, with almost three million units produced in 2013. In 2013 Hyundai Motor Company purchased 33.88% of the company.
According to the company, “Kia” is a combination of the Sino-Korean word “ki” and the letter “a”. The word “ki” translates to the phrase “to come out”, and the “a” stands for Asia, so loosely “Kia” means “to come up out of Asia”. Kia is also South Korea’s oldest automobile company.
Kia started, in 1944, with the production of bicycles, and later went on to manufacture motorcycles, trucks, and cars. Kia has facilities in several other countries, such as China, Slovakia, United States, and Vietnam. Kia Motor America was incorporated in 1992, and their cars were first sold in Portland, Oregon.
Here are some of Kia’s most popular models on the market today.
- Forte (also known as the Cerato or K3)
- Rio (also known as the Rio5 or Pride)
- Optima (also known as the Magentis or K5)
- Sorento
- Soul
- Sportage
- Optima Hybrid
- Carnival (also known as the Sedona)
SsangYong Motor Company
SsangYong Motor Company, also known as SsangYong Motor, was founded in 1954. The company’s headquarters are located in Seoul, South Korea, and they are the fourth largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea.
The company originally began as two separate companies were merged together. The two companies were Ha Dong-hwan Motor Workshop, which was founded in 1954, and Dongbang Motor Company, which was founded in 1962. The company’s name means “double dragons”, I believe this was to symbolize the two companies.
In 2011, the company was partially acquired by Indian Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, who currently hold’s seventy percent ownership. SsangYong Motor provides vehicles worldwide, except in North America. They have factories in other counties, such as Russia and Ukraine.
SsangYong Motor’s model lineup includes:
- Actyon (which replaced the old Korando)
- Rexton W (which replaced the Rexton II)
- Kyron
- Actyon Sports (which replaced the Musso Sports, also known as the Korando Sports)
- Rodius (also known as the Stavic)
- Chairman (models include the Chairman H and the Chairman W)
- They also produce models or trucks and buses.
Renault Samsung Motors
Renault Samsung Motors was founded in 1994, and the company’s headquarters are located in Busan, South Korea. Th company was first established as Samsung Motors. In the year 2000, the became a subsidiary of the French automobile company Renault, and they were renamed Renault Samsung Motors.
The company is currently owned by Renault, with 80.1% ownership, and Samsung, with 19.9% ownership. Renault Samsung Motors’ model lineup includes the SM3, SM5, SM7, QM3, and QM5.
Korean Luxury Car Brands
One of the most well-known luxury car brands in Korea is Genesis. The brand, which is a subsidiary of Hyundai, has quickly established itself as a leading player in the luxury car market. Genesis offers a range of luxury vehicles, including the G70, G80 and G90 sedans, and the GV80 SUV. These vehicles are known for their high-quality materials, advanced features, and luxurious designs.
New 2023 Genesis G-90, Starting at $88,400
Another well-known luxury car brand in Korea is Equus. The brand, which is also a subsidiary of Hyundai, produces a range of luxury sedans and SUVs. The Equus is known for its powerful engines, advanced technology, and refined design.
Other Korean luxury car brands that are worth mentioning include the SsangYong Motor Company, known for its high-end SUV’s such as the G4 Rexton, and the GV80. Additionally, The Daewoo Group is also known for its luxury vehicles, including the Leganza, a mid-size luxury sedan produced until 2008.
Korean luxury car brands are definitely worth considering for anyone in the market for a high-end vehicle. They offer a perfect blend of sophistication, advanced technology and attention to detail, making them a serious competition in the luxury car industry. With their commitment to quality and luxury, these brands are sure to impress even the most discerning car buyers.
Korean Electric Car Brands
Korea is home to several electric car brands that are making waves in the global automotive industry. These companies are taking advantage of the country’s advanced technology and engineering expertise to produce innovative and high-quality electric vehicles (EVs).
One of the most notable Korean EV brands is Hyundai. The company has been making EVs for several years and has a wide range of models available, including the Ioniq Electric and the Kona Electric. Both of these models have received positive reviews for their range, performance, and design.
A Hyundai electric vehicle is connected to the Hi-Charger, an exclusive ultrahigh speed charger developed by Hyundai Motor. /THE KOREA HERALD
Another major Korean EV brand is Kia. The company’s first EV, the Soul EV, has been well-received for its spacious interior, advanced features, and affordable price. Kia also has plans to release several new EVs in the coming years, including the Niro EV and the e-Soul.
Other Korean EV brands to keep an eye on include Renault Samsung Motors, which produces the SM3 Z.E. electric sedan, and the compact hatchback, SM3 ZE. And also, Hanwha Techwin, which produces the QEV electric vehicle platform.
The Korean electric car industry is growing rapidly and has several well-established and new companies that are producing innovative and high-quality electric vehicles. With the growing popularity of EVs and the increasing demand for clean and sustainable transportation, it is likely that we will see even more exciting developments from these companies in the future.
What is the most popular car in Korea?
The most popular car in South Korea varies depending on the year and market trends, but in recent years, one of the most popular cars in Korea has been the Hyundai Avante, also known as the Elantra. It is a compact sedan that offers a good balance of fuel efficiency, performance, and value. It has been one of the best-selling cars in the country for several years and continues to be a popular choice among Korean car buyers.
Another popular car in Korea is the Kia Morning, also known as the Picanto. It is a subcompact car that is known for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and practicality. It has been a top-selling car in the country for many years and continues to be a popular choice for first-time car buyers and city dwellers.
In the luxury car segment, Genesis G80 and GV80 are becoming increasingly popular in the country, their sleek designs, luxurious features, and advanced technology have been well received by the local market.
The popularity of a car in Korea is influenced by the year and market trends, so it is difficult to determine which one is the most popular, however, it is clear that Hyundai and Kia are among the most popular car brands in the country, as their Avante and Morning models have consistently performed well.
What is the best Korean car brand?
It is difficult to determine the best Korean car brand as it depends on individual preferences and needs. Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses, and what is considered the best will vary depending on factors such as budget, fuel efficiency, safety, and performance.
Ahain, Hyundai and Kia are two of the most well-known and respected Korean car brands. They offer a wide range of vehicles at different price points, including budget-friendly compact cars, midsize sedans, SUVs and luxury cars. They are known for producing reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles, as well as for their advanced safety features and innovative designs.
What American cars are made in Korea?
Several American car brands have manufacturing plants located in South Korea. These include:
It’s worth noting that these American car brands are producing their vehicles for the local market and some of them for export, but they are also importing cars to the US market. The cars produced in South Korea for American brands might have different specifications and features than the cars produced in the US.
Korean Car Logos
Many of these automobiles brands can be recognized by their company logos. Some company names have significant meanings, such as the Kia company name and the SsangYong company name. Just like company names, car logos have significance to them as well.
Many of us associate brands with their logos, whether it’s a car company, food chain, or a fashion designer. Some korean car logos have changed several times over the years and some haven’t changed much at all.
For an example, Kia’s logo started out with the word “kia” inside a circle within a triangle design. The company then changed drastically, in 1964, to a green circle with a half slash through the top right side. This design looked similar to a clock with an over-sized minute hand, the design was changed again in 1986. It wasn’t until 1994, that we saw a similar design to the current Kia logo.
Other designs are simple and haven’t changed much over the years. For an example, Hyundai’s logo that we see today has not changed much since the company’s design of 1986. In 1992, they began adding the letter “h” inside an oval shape.
There are many great automobile brands across the world, and Korea has provided some of the best brands out there on today’s market. These top brands of Korean cars have manufactured automobiles with incredibly fuel efficiency, safety features, and advanced technology. Check out our other lists of Asian car brands, such as Japanese brands and Chinese brands.
Article updated on 01/17/2023
