Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[North Korea claims Kim Jong Eun mastered driving at age 3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/north-korea-claims-kim-jong-eun-mastered-driving-at-age-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/north-korea-claims-kim-jong-eun-mastered-driving-at-age-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/north-korea-claims-kim-jong-eun-mastered-driving-at-age-3/#commentsFiled under:

Kim Jong Un

There's been no lack of dubious claims for us to raise our eyebrows at over the years, whether it's about some fantastical car reaching the market on schedule and on budget, the veracity of a concept car's space-age powertrain, or reports of a blogger actually stepping outside and into the sunlight. But this one, like all glorious claims of the past - may their memory bring honor to their country for a thousand years to come - takes the proverbial cake.

In an ongoing and largely futile effort to show their recently and rapidly promoted supreme leader as the experienced governor and all-around superhuman mastermind the rest of the world doubts he is, the so-called Democratic People's Republic of Korea is painting one heck of a picture of Kim Jong Eun. According to North Korea, the scion of the late dictator Kim Jong Il was already driving a car at age 3. Impressive, but what's more is that he could apparently speed down a dirt road - rally-style - at speeds up to 75 mph by age 8.

It may be too early to tell if Eun has achieved anything of consequence in between having mastered driving while still in diapers and assuming control of a totalitarian nuclear power, but we can tell you this won't be the last dubious claim that we'll hear from his office in the near future.

North Korea claims Kim Jong Eun mastered driving at age 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kim jong eunkim jong unkoreanorth koreaMon, 09 Jan 2012 09:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20143630/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/09/north-korea-claims-kim-jong-eun-mastered-driving-at-age-3/20143630/article-detail.xml 20143630 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/northkoreakimjongun.b53a679e9256480fb6a5f2b6507edc58_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/northkoreakimjongun.b53a679e9256480fb6a5f2b6507edc58.jpg <![CDATA[UAW pickets Hyundai dealerships to support Korean worker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/uaw-picketing-hyundai-dealerships-to-support-korean-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/uaw-picketing-hyundai-dealerships-to-support-korean-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/uaw-picketing-hyundai-dealerships-to-support-korean-workers/#commentsFiled under: ,

uaw logoThe United Auto Workers protested outside Hyundai dealers in the U.S. last week, though not for the reasons you might think. Automotive News reports that the UAW picketed key U.S. Hyundai dealerships yesterday in response to an incident that took place halfway around the world.

The protest was in support of a Korean union employee who was reportedly fired for reporting sexual harassment at a Hyundai subcontractor. UAW spokeswoman Michele Martin was quick to point out that the union was not picketing Hyundai, and added that the move was not part of the organization's drive to organize transplant automakers.

The Hyundai dealership protest can be looked at as a warm-up for the UAW, which previously stated that it would organize U.S. operations of a foreign automaker in 2011. (That target has since been pushed further into the future.) The union has reportedly been training protesters how to demonstrate at auto dealer showrooms.

UAW pickets Hyundai dealerships to support Korean worker originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingdealershiphyundaikoreaprotestsexual harrasmentuawunionSun, 04 Dec 2011 12:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118119/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/04/uaw-picketing-hyundai-dealerships-to-support-korean-workers/20118119/article-detail.xml 20118119 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/uaw-250-1317135296_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/uaw-250-1317135296.jpg <![CDATA[Kia shows first images of Korea-only Ray]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/kia-shows-first-images-of-korea-only-ray/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/kia-shows-first-images-of-korea-only-ray/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/kia-shows-first-images-of-korea-only-ray/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kia Ray

Kia is giving Korean small-car buyers something to smile about with the new Kia Ray subcompact. The vehicle looks to have taken a cue or two from its bigger brothers with stylized headlights and a very corporate mesh grille. We see plenty of Soul in the design, but there's more to the boxy machine than a quick glance would suggest.

Look closely and you'll note that the driver's side wears two traditionally hinged doors while the passenger side boasts a sliding rear door akin to what we typically expect to see on a minivan. Why abandon symmetry? Kia says that the company wanted to give buyers more flexibility when it came to ingress and egress in tight parking spaces.

The design is also expected to give the pint-sized Ray more versatility than buyers are accustomed to from the segment. Right now, Kia says that the Ray is only slated to show up on Korean dealer lots, which means we won't be seeing the vehicle on our shores anytime soon. No engine specifications have been released at this time, either, but we can imagine that the Ray won't boast eye-popping performance.

Kia shows first images of Korea-only Ray originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiakia raykorearaysouth koreaFri, 11 Nov 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20104004/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/11/kia-shows-first-images-of-korea-only-ray/20104004/article-detail.xml 20104004 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-kia-ray-628-1320984597_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-kia-ray-628-1320984597.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> Korea is better than you might think]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/top-gear-korea-is-better-than-you-might-think/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/top-gear-korea-is-better-than-you-might-think/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/top-gear-korea-is-better-than-you-might-think/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Top Gear Korea

We know, we know... you miss Top Gear. We do, too. But there won't be another new episode until December, and the new season isn't expected to start until January. So what are we to do in the meantime? Well, we could watch re-runs, but we've seen 'em all. We could watch the American version - and many of us do - but, you know - it's still not the same. Neither is Fifth Gear, for that matter. Fortunately the sun never sets on the Top Gear empire, and today there are different series set up in locations around the world.

As far as we can tell, in addition to the original on the BBC and the History Channel version we get here, there are also series in Russia, China, Germany and Korea. There was also an Australian series, but it was recently cancelled, meaning we have no other series available to us in English.

But does that mean we can't enjoy them? Well, maybe, but the Korean series, for example, isn't half bad - whether you understand Korean or not. The cinematography and production quality strike us as better than most of the spin-offs, if not quite as good as the original. But don't take our word for it: we've placed a few segments after the jump for your viewing pleasure. Like what you see? There's plenty more where that came from - just head on over to Top Gear Korea's YouTube channel.

Continue reading Top Gear Korea is better than you might think

Top Gear Korea is better than you might think originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbckoreasouth koreatop geartop gear koreaWed, 26 Oct 2011 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20091127/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/26/top-gear-korea-is-better-than-you-might-think/20091127/article-detail.xml 20091127 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/tg-korea1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/tg-korea1.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Korean Grand Prix puts the nail in the coffin [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/16/2011-korean-grand-prix-put-the-nail-in-the-coffin-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/16/2011-korean-grand-prix-put-the-nail-in-the-coffin-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/16/2011-korean-grand-prix-put-the-nail-in-the-coffin-spoilers/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Korean Grand Prix

The 2011 Formula One World Championship was decided last week in Japan. Or was it? That's where Sebastian Vettel was re-crowned World Champion, propelling himself into the history books as the youngest multiple champ in F1 history. But the series has more than one title in contention each year. So while Vettel won the Drivers' Championship for the second year running, the Constructors' Championship - the title awarded to the winning team, determined by the combined scores of their two drivers - still remained up for grabs.

With four races to go, Red Bull seemed a sure thing to defend its Constructors' Championship. The question came down to a matter of when. In order to seize it in South Korea this weekend, RBR would need to outscore its main rivals at McLaren. In other words, Vettel and his wingman Mark Webber would need to finish the Korean Grand Prix in better average position than Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Would that prove too tall an order, or would the defending champs rise to the occasion and shut their rivals out of the championship? Follow the jump to find out.

Continue reading 2011 Korean Grand Prix puts the nail in the coffin [spoilers]

2011 Korean Grand Prix puts the nail in the coffin [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 formula one world championship2011 korean grand prixf1formula 1formula onegrand prixkoreakorean grand prixsouth koreayeongamSun, 16 Oct 2011 07:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20082633/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/16/2011-korean-grand-prix-put-the-nail-in-the-coffin-spoilers/20082633/article-detail.xml 20082633 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/016korea_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/016korea.jpg <![CDATA[New trade agreement may mean more domestics sold in South Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/new-trade-agreement-may-mean-more-domestics-sold-in-south-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/new-trade-agreement-may-mean-more-domestics-sold-in-south-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/new-trade-agreement-may-mean-more-domestics-sold-in-south-korea/#commentsFiled under: ,

President Obama welcomes President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea to the White House

In 2010, domestic automakers shipped about 7,500 vehicles to Korea, representing less than one percent of its auto market. To add insult to injury, well over half a million Korean cars were sold here. But that could all change, according to Ford CEO Alan Mulally, who told The Detroit News that a new trade agreement "will open new opportunities for Ford to reach even more Korean customers."

The U.S. - South Korea Trade Agreement was approved by Congress on October 12, while President Obama welcomed President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea to the White House yesterday.

The United Auto Workers also praised the move, which reduces both Korean and U.S. tariffs. South Korea will immediately cut its tax on U.S. cars from eight percent to four percent, and fully eliminate the tariff in the fifth year of the agreement. The U.S. will continue to tax Korean cars at 2.5 percent until the fifth year, when the tariff will be eliminated. Korea will also eliminate its 10-percent tariff on trucks immediately, while the 25-percent U.S. tariff on trucks will be phased out during the eighth to tenth years of the agreement.

Perhaps more importantly, the agreement also includes a provision to address differing safety and environmental standards. Domestic automakers will now be able to sell vehicles in Korea without certifying them to Korean regulations, under certain limitations. U.S. companies that sell fewer than 25,000 vehicles in Korea will be required to only meet U.S. safety regulations. And as long as American cars are within 19 percent of South Korean standards for fuel economy and emissions they will be considered legal for sale.

New trade agreement may mean more domestics sold in South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>congressfordkoreaobamasouth koreatarifftradeFri, 14 Oct 2011 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20081170/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/14/new-trade-agreement-may-mean-more-domestics-sold-in-south-korea/20081170/article-detail.xml 20081170 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/obama_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/obama.jpg <![CDATA[Ssangyong renders Evoque-like XIV-1 concept for Frankfurt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/05/ssangyong-renders-evoque-like-xiv-1-concept-for-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/05/ssangyong-renders-evoque-like-xiv-1-concept-for-frankfurt/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/05/ssangyong-renders-evoque-like-xiv-1-concept-for-frankfurt/#commentsSsangyong XIV-1 Concept

Ssangyong is known for building "luxury" SUVs that get universally terrible reviews and make stretch marks look like Monet paintings. This year, the Korean SUV company is taking a stab at a premium CUV.

The concept, called the XIV-1, takes design cues from the Range Rover Evoque, and has a similar mission. According to Ssangyong, the XIV-1 was designed as an "Exciting User Interface Vehicle," which is supposed to make driving more fun and increase communication between the car and driver.

These two drawings are the only clues we get as to the XIV-1's looks for now, but we like the pillarless roof and full-length sunroof. We should get a detailed look at the car during the Frankfurt Motor Show, but till then all you're getting is two drawings. Press release is past the jump.

Continue reading Ssangyong renders Evoque-like XIV-1 concept for Frankfurt

Ssangyong renders Evoque-like XIV-1 concept for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurtfrankfurt motor show 2011koreassangongssangyong xiv-1 conceptxiv-1XIV-1 conceptMon, 05 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20034551/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/05/ssangyong-renders-evoque-like-xiv-1-concept-for-frankfurt/20034551/article-detail.xml 20034551 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/ssanyong-xiv-1-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/ssanyong-xiv-1-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Kia avoids costly strike in Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/06/kia-avoids-costly-strike-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/06/kia-avoids-costly-strike-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/06/kia-avoids-costly-strike-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kia Emblem

Kia has navigated around a potential strike by organized labor in Korea. According to Automotive News, the manufacturer joined GM Korea and Ssangyong Motor Company in reaching agreements with the companies' workers for better pay, pending a "yea" vote by employees. Kia workers successfully negotiated a 5.2 percent wage increase as well as bonus pay worth over $6,600 at current conversion rates. In addition, each worker will be granted 80 shares in the company. GM Korea, meanwhile agreed to give its employees a 4.7 percent wage increase as well as record-level bonuses. That move comes on the heels of the automaker's first annual profit since 2007

Kia has a vested interest in keeping its plants operational due to unusually low inventory levels. With Japanese automakers struggling to regain their footing following the disruption to industry caused by the Tōhoku earthquake and resulting tsunami, both Hyundai and Kia are determined to make ground on their rivals. Losing production capacity could have significantly hampered those efforts, costing the automakers untold sums.

Kia avoids costly strike in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gm koreakiakia strikekoreastrikeunionSat, 06 Aug 2011 16:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20010833/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/06/kia-avoids-costly-strike-in-korea/20010833/article-detail.xml 20010833 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/kia-emblem-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/kia-emblem-630.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> global conquest continues with South Korean series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/top-gear-global-conquest-continues-with-south-korean-seri/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/top-gear-global-conquest-continues-with-south-korean-seri/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/24/top-gear-global-conquest-continues-with-south-korean-seri/#commentsFiled under: ,

Top Gear South Korea

The sun may have long since set on the British Empire, but the UK's finest export doesn't appear to be showing any signs of slowing down its global expansion.

After setting up studios in Australia, the United States, Russia, China and more - not to mention the countless editions of the magazine in different languages around the globe - word has it that a new series of Top Gear is being readied for South Korea.

Following the famous Top Gear formula, hosts reportedly already lined include a professional racing driver named Kim Jin-Pyo, an enthusiast named Kim Kap-Soo and a local celebrity aptly named Yeon Jung-Hoon, along with their own Korean Stig.

The BBC series spinoff has reportedly been picked up by local television network XTM for a 13-episode pilot season and is apparently already in production, with challenges including a race against a bullet train and a cross-country road trip.

Top Gear global conquest continues with South Korean series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbckoreasouth koreatop geartop gear koreatop gear south koreaxtmFri, 24 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19974910/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/24/top-gear-global-conquest-continues-with-south-korean-seri/19974910/article-detail.xml 19974910 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/tgsk_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/tgsk.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai launches Genesis Prada sedan in South Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/hyundai-launches-genesis-prada-sedan-in-south-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/hyundai-launches-genesis-prada-sedan-in-south-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/18/hyundai-launches-genesis-prada-sedan-in-south-korea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hyundai Genesis Prada
Hyundai Genesis Prada - Click above for high-res image gallery

As recently as a decade ago, mentioning brands like Hyundai and Prada in the same sentence would have seemed laughable. But today's Hyundai is a very different company with a very different image. And no car could sum up such a transformation more than the Genesis.

Two years ago, the Korean automaker announced a partnership with the Italian fashion house with a concept car, but has now launched the production Genesis Prada in its home market. The special edition luxury sedan is distinguished by special paint - either Brown Moro, Blue Baltico or Black Nero - with a shark-fin antenna on the roof, offset by dark chrome trim and special 19-inch alloys. Saffiano parchment leather swaths the interior along with piano lacquer black trim and a rear-seat entertainment system. And of course you can count on the requisite badges to identify this Genesis as different from all others.

Hyundai's celebrated 5.0-liter V8 with 424 horsepower is on pushing duty, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Distribution will be constricted initially to South Korea, before availability will commence in limited numbers of China and Middle Eastern markets. Follow the jump for more details and check out the high-resolution images in our gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Hyundai launches Genesis Prada sedan in South Korea

Hyundai launches Genesis Prada sedan in South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 May 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesisgenesis pradagenesis sedanhyundaihyundai genesis pradakoreapradaWed, 18 May 2011 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19943194/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/18/hyundai-launches-genesis-prada-sedan-in-south-korea/19943194/article-detail.xml 19943194 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-01-prada-genesis_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-01-prada-genesis.jpg <![CDATA[GM repays another billion of its debt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/gm-repays-another-billion-of-its-debt/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/gm-repays-another-billion-of-its-debt/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/gm-repays-another-billion-of-its-debt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GM logoGeneral Motors continues to clean up its ledger book, and the latest transaction has GM wiping $1 billion off the table. In Korea, the GM Daewoo Auto & Technology subsidiary, otherwise known as GM Daewoo, plans to pay back the 10-figure debt it owes to its Korean revolving credit facility. The debt will be paid in full by the end of this month. Perhaps a commercial thanking the Korean credit market is in order?
[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM repays another billion of its debt

GM repays another billion of its debt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgmgm daewoogm koreagm repay loansgm repaymentkoreaWed, 01 Dec 2010 18:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19740749/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/12/01/gm-repays-another-billion-of-its-debt/19740749/article-detail.xml 19740749 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/was3362371opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/was3362371opt.jpg <![CDATA[How does Hyundai do business in the shadow of war?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/24/how-does-hyundai-do-business-in-the-shadow-of-war/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/24/how-does-hyundai-do-business-in-the-shadow-of-war/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/24/how-does-hyundai-do-business-in-the-shadow-of-war/#commentsFiled under: ,

In the event of war, you can't hurl Hyundais at the enemy

North Korean Shelling

Former General Motors Chairman Rick Wagner used to talk of "externalities," those uncontrollable factors that he routinely blamed for the humbled automaker's continuing decline. Other industry leaders preferred the term "headwinds," but they were routinely referring to such matters as rising raw materials costs, unpredictable petroleum prices or, perhaps, an economic meltdown.

What most major automakers don't have to worry about is the idea of having a shell land in the middle of their boardroom. But the news out of the Korean peninsula makes it clear this is a very serious, very real possibility for the folks who run Hyundai and Kia.

Continue reading...
Paul EisensteinPaul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading How does Hyundai do business in the shadow of war?

How does Hyundai do business in the shadow of war? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredhyundaikoreanorth koreanorth korean shellingpaul eisensteinsouth koreathedetroitbureau.comWed, 24 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19731555/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/24/how-does-hyundai-do-business-in-the-shadow-of-war/19731555/article-detail.xml 19731555 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/north-korean-shelling-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/north-korean-shelling-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: White House working to finalize free trade deal with Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/05/report-white-house-working-to-finalize-free-trade-deal-with-kor/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/05/report-white-house-working-to-finalize-free-trade-deal-with-kor/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/05/report-white-house-working-to-finalize-free-trade-deal-with-kor/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Detroit News reports that the U.S. government and South Korea are working to finalize a free trade deal in advance of the November 11 G20 summit in Seoul. The two countries already came to an agreement back in 2007, but the Bush administration didn't submit the pact to Congress for approval. Ford and Chrysler spoke out against the agreement in its current form due to the large automotive trade gap between the two countries. Through August of this year, the trade deficit sat at $6.8 billion dollars, up from $4.8 billion in 2009, and Korean automakers have imported a reported 411,000 vehicles Stateside compared to only 7,600 U.S. vehicles that were brought to Korea.

A big reason Detroit metal doesn't sell in Korea is the country's eight percent tariff on autos, compared to a 2.5 percent tariff for auto imports to the U.S. Korean ambassador to the U.S. Han Duk-Soo says that removing the larger tax on U.S. vehicles will help sell more Motown Metal and points to the fact that European and Japanese automakers export about 80,000 vehicles to Korea annually as proof.

[Source: Detroit News]

Report: White House working to finalize free trade deal with Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>G20 summit korea trade pactkoreakorea tariffkorea trade treaty with U.Ssouth koreaFri, 05 Nov 2010 16:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19702298/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/05/report-white-house-working-to-finalize-free-trade-deal-with-kor/19702298/article-detail.xml 19702298 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/south-korea-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/south-korea-250.jpg <![CDATA[U.S. reportedly asks South Korea to adopt American emissions, safety standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/u-s-reportedly-asks-south-korea-to-adopt-american-emissions-sa/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/u-s-reportedly-asks-south-korea-to-adopt-american-emissions-sa/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/u-s-reportedly-asks-south-korea-to-adopt-american-emissions-sa/#commentsFiled under: ,

Korean flagThe powers-that-be in the States are working on getting the go-ahead for a free trade agreement, like NAFTA, but this time with South Korea. The agreement itself was signed and sealed in 2007, but it hasn't actually gone into effect yet because Congress won't approve it, and that's because of two hangups, one being emissions regulations that the U.S. maintains is a non-tariff barrier to selling cars in in South Korea.

One South Korean analyst said that "even if South Korea accepts American safety and emissions standards," the current 10.1 percent of imported car market share held by American cars won't change much. That share has dropped year-on-year, and with the agreement in effect and a push to increase exports, the U.S. would like a proper shot at turning that around. European makes, on the other hand, have 62% market share. The two countries will confer next month on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Seoul in a final effort to harmonize and implement the trade agreement.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

U.S. reportedly asks South Korea to adopt American emissions, safety standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Korean Grand Prix
2010 Korean Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

The cars aren't the only thing that move fast in Formula One; everything's on an accelerated scale, even the calendar. It seems every new season in the modern era of F1 demands a new race. In 2004, Bahrain and Shanghai were added. Turkey joined the calendar in 2005. Things went backward in 2006 and 2007 with the elimination of Belgium (temporarily) followed by San Marino and Hockenheim, respectively. Singapore was added in 2008, followed by Abu Dhabi in 2009. India is set to join next year, the United States the year after and Russia by 2014. This year, however, the new slot belonged to Korea.

Ambitious plans were laid down by ubiquitous track architect Hermann Tilke, who's firm is responsible for every one of the aforementioned new circuits and then some. But as recently as a couple of weeks ago, there were serious doubts over whether the site would be ready for this weekend's inaugural grand prix. Fortunately, the hosts managed to get it all together in the end, putting on a race that would enter the books as one of the most exciting christenings in motor sport history. Follow the jump to see how it went down.


Gallery: 2010 Korean Grand Prix


[Images: Mark Thompson, Paul Gilham, Clive Mason/Getty | Andy Wong, Mark Baker, Greg Baker/AP]

Continue reading 2010 Korean Grand Prix: Yeongam begins its Rain of Terror [Spoilers]

2010 Korean Grand Prix: Yeongam begins its Rain of Terror [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula onegrand prixkoreakorean grand prixsouth koreasouth korean grand prixyeongamSun, 24 Oct 2010 09:51:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19686858/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/24/2010-korean-grand-prix-yeongam-begins-its-rain-of-terror-spoil/19686858/article-detail.xml 19686858 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/webopt-gyi0062172357_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/webopt-gyi0062172357.jpg <![CDATA[TheDetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/thedetroitbureau-com-on-autoblog-with-paul-eisenstein/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/thedetroitbureau-com-on-autoblog-with-paul-eisenstein/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/17/thedetroitbureau-com-on-autoblog-with-paul-eisenstein/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Paul EisensteinEven growing up in New York City barely prepares you for the sprawling metropolis that is Seoul, South Korea. Spend a few days wandering the increasingly affluent town and you'll be hard-pressed to miss the many coffee shops, seemingly at least one on every block. Seoul is a highly caffeinated city, a Seattle on overdrive, and for good reason. Its people seemingly never sleep. Workers in few countries clock more hours on the job.

"We are a driven people," suggests Hyun-Soon Lee, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Co. And while he hesitates when I ask what it is that drives the Koreans so much, he admits that, more than anything, it is the need to show they are the equals of the Japanese, who brutally occupied the country for so much of the last century.

Straddling the Han River, the capital city has come a long way since I first visited the so-called Land of the Morning Calm more than a quarter century ago. Back then the wounds from the Korean War were readily apparent in a town that was just beginning to claw its way out of the Third World, its streets largely populated by bicycles, scooters and a small but fast-growing number of primitive Hyundai Pony sedans.

These days, Seoul is a thriving city that is climbing ever skyward, its builders nearly as busy as those in Shanghai and Beijing. And the densely packed streets are overflowing with automobiles, a surprising share of them highline products from Europe, Japan and, of course, Korea, where the country's carmakers are making a rapid push into the luxury market.


Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading TheDetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein

TheDetroitBureau.com on Autoblog with Paul Eisenstein originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit bureaueisenstein on autoblogfeaturedhyundaikiakoreapaul eisensteinthe detroit bureauFri, 17 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19638666/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/17/thedetroitbureau-com-on-autoblog-with-paul-eisenstein/19638666/article-detail.xml 19638666 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/paul-1-08opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/paul-1-08opt.jpg <![CDATA[Woman gets Kia Soul after passing drive test on 960th try]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/woman-gets-kia-soul-after-passing-drive-test-on-960th-try/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/woman-gets-kia-soul-after-passing-drive-test-on-960th-try/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/08/woman-gets-kia-soul-after-passing-drive-test-on-960th-try/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 Kia Soul
Kia Soul - click above for high-res image gallery

We like to think of ourselves as pretty determined folk here the United States. After all, our forebearers forged our country out of a wild and unsettling terrain, fought off tyrants, cooked up some of the most amazing inventions of the last century and helped populate a symbol of diversity and freedom renowned the world over. That doesn't mean that we'd willingly subject ourselves to the DMV 960 times, however. Yet that's exactly what a Korean woman, Cha Sa-soon, did on her quest to obtain her driver's license. Despite copious studying, the 69-year-old Cha just couldn't manage to get past the written portion of the exam.

In April 2005, she began taking the 50-minute, 40-question test once a day, five days week, failing each time. Eventually her pace slowed to taking the test twice a week, but on the 960th try, she managed to get enough of the questions right to pass.

Local news outlets ran with the story, and it wasn't long before the tale caught the ear of Hyundai-Kia. The company asked people to post congratulatory messages online, and after an overwhelming response, Kia handed her the keys to a brand-new Soul.

We like her style.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Soul


Photos Copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL

[Source: The New York Times]

Woman gets Kia Soul after passing drive test on 960th try originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 Kia Soul2010KiaSoulCha Sa-soonChaSa-soonHyundai-KiaKia SoulKiaSoulKoreaSoulWed, 08 Sep 2010 13:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19623979/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/08/woman-gets-kia-soul-after-passing-drive-test-on-960th-try/19623979/article-detail.xml 19623979 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/kia-soul-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/kia-soul-630.jpg <![CDATA[GM design studio opens in South Korea, draws first <strike>spaceship</strike> picture]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/gm-design-studio-opens-in-south-korea-draws-first-picture/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/gm-design-studio-opens-in-south-korea-draws-first-picture/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/20/gm-design-studio-opens-in-south-korea-draws-first-picture/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Seoul Advanced Design Studio concept - Click above for high-res image

The General Motors Seoul Advanced Design Studio has been putting out images for at least a year, but GM is only now making the announcement that it's officially open. Our initial joy was tempered by the fact that GM has always known how to design a compelling concept car, then actually deliver something at the other end of the design see-saw. However, The General's certainly taken a more than a few steps up the emotional design ladder in recent years, and the company's South Korean designers have already proved their small-car talent with Chevrolet's Cruze and Spark.

There will be 30 designers at the studio doing interior and exterior design for GM's mini and small vehicles, among other duties. If their first photo can be used as a barometer, however, larger, sportier aspirations beat in their hearts. And you'll want to remember this photo well, because there is every chance it could resurface in three years under a 48-point headline screaming, "Is This the Mid-Engined 2018 Corvette?!" As ever, the answer is "No." The press release on the new studio is just after the jump.


Gallery: GM's Seoul Advanced Design Studio Concept


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM design studio opens in South Korea, draws first spaceship picture

GM design studio opens in South Korea, draws first spaceship picture originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designgeneral motorsGeneralMotorskoreaseoulseoul advanced design studioSeoulAdvancedDesignStudiosouth koreaSouthKoreaTue, 20 Apr 2010 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19447238/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/20/gm-design-studio-opens-in-south-korea-draws-first-picture/19447238/article-detail.xml 19447238 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gmseoulstudio_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/gmseoulstudio.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/report-asian-automakers-closing-in-on-50-share-of-u-s-auto-sa/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/report-asian-automakers-closing-in-on-50-share-of-u-s-auto-sa/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/report-asian-automakers-closing-in-on-50-share-of-u-s-auto-sa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,



While it may come as no surprise that Asian car companies are constantly gaining market share in the U.S. market, the actual numbers are quite amazing. Ten years ago, companies like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and the rest accounted for a little more than one-quarter of total light-vehicle sales in the States. By 2005, that figure stood at 36.6 percent. By 2007? 41.9 percent. In 2009, Asian automakers sold a full 47.9 percent of the cars and light trucks we Americans bought.

These numbers come from the latest report by Ward's Auto. Perhaps predictably, that same dispatch tells us that American automakers were hurt the most by those Asian gains. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were once part of an American auto industry that accounted for nearly 70 percent of sales in 1999. The Detroit Three had just a 44.8 percent market share a decade later. The European automakers have also gained a bit in the U.S. over the past decade. Still, they only account for 7.3 percent of the market right now.

If the Japanese and Korean manufacturers post gains for 2010 that are similar to the 2009 increases, they will pass the 50 percent mark for the first time in history. Individually, companies like Toyota have fared the best, nearly doubling their slice of the American pie, going from 8.7 to 17 percent since 1999. While Ford shared the biggest gain last year compared to 2008, they were also one of the decade's biggest losers, dropping 8.3 percent. Maybe last year's gain is a sign of recovery for the domestic automakers, but the troubles at GM and Chrysler don't bode well for the group. Check out the full breakdown by clicking the Ward's source link below.

[Source: Ward's Automotive]

Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmericaamericanAmerican marketAmerican market shareAmericanMarketAmericanMarketShareasiaasianasian automakersAsian market shareAsianAutomakersAsianMarketShareChrsyler GroupChrsyler Group LLCChrsylerGroupChrsylerGroupLlcchryslerchrysler llcChryslerLlcDetroit ThreeDetroitThreefordFord MotorFord Motor Co.Ford Motor CompanyFordMotorFordMotorCo.FordMotorCompanygeneral motorsGeneral Motors Corp.GeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsCorp.gmJapanKoreasouth koreaSouthKoreaunited statesunited states of americaUnitedStatesUnitedStatesOfAmericaThu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19316264/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/14/report-asian-automakers-closing-in-on-50-share-of-u-s-auto-sa/19316264/article-detail.xml 19316264 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/top-ten-2009-large08_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/top-ten-2009-large08.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: More on the Korean supercar named Spirra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/video-more-on-the-korean-supercar-named-spirra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/video-more-on-the-korean-supercar-named-spirra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/video-more-on-the-korean-supercar-named-spirra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Spirra on CNN - Click above to watch video after the jump

A little while back we saw some glammy B-roll of Oullim Motor's Spirra - Korea's first supercar - running around Seoul with some of Italy's big dogs. While the Spirra might have lacked the visual punch of the F430 and Gallardo, it sure seemed able to keep up with both of 'em. However, one YouTube video does not a supercar make and we haven't paid the Spirra much mind since then.

But perhaps we should. CNN just did a ride along with the man behind the Spirra, Han-Chul Kim. First of all, just to refresh, the Spirra (also known as the Tiger) is powered by a modified Hyundai V8 to the tune of 500 hp and can hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds - totally on par with other supercars. But again, what makes the Spirra compelling (or at least noteworthy) is that it is Korea's first supercar. CNN interprets this as proof that the Korean automarket has come of age, causing one analyst to comment that the Spirra is a way of saying, "Hey - we can make a supercar, too."

As for Kim, he spent ten years researching Italian exotics before he set to work on the handmade, 100% Korean Spirra. He calls the car his "dream" and his "baby." Judging from the video, you also get a sense that a lot is riding on both Han-Chul's and the Spirra's shoulders, namely the pride of a nation's auto industry. Looks like his hard work might be paying off, as a Dutch car dealer reportedly just ordered 145 Spirras. No word on whether or not the Spirra will be making its way over to the States, but here's hoping! Make the jump to watch the video. Hat tip to John!

[Source: CNN]

Continue reading VIDEO: More on the Korean supercar named Spirra

VIDEO: More on the Korean supercar named Spirra originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Han-Chal KimHan-chalKimHyundaiKoreaOullim MotorsOullim Motors SpirraOullimMotorsOullimMotorsSpirraSpirraThu, 22 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19202909/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/10/22/video-more-on-the-korean-supercar-named-spirra/19202909/article-detail.xml 19202909 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/spirrakorea_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/spirrakorea_opt.jpg -1 2