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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[Chevy Corvette headed to South Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/chevy-corvette-headed-to-south-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/chevy-corvette-headed-to-south-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/chevy-corvette-headed-to-south-korea/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Luxury, South Korea

As of this month, South Koreans will be able to get themselves into a Corvette bought at their local Chevrolet dealer. General Motors wants to get more people in more lands behind the wheel of its icon to offset declining sales numbers here at home, and South Korea is an easier target for the moment because of the free trade agreement recently ratified between that country and the U.S.

The 430-horsepower Coupe model goes on sale May 4 for 86.4 million South Korean won ($76,528 U.S.). While the anti-tariff provisions of the free-trade agreement haven't come into force yet, the surcharge is actually down to things like shipping and exchange rates. The Corvette will join eight other Chevy models on sale on the Asian peninsula.

Chevy Corvette headed to South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20227880 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-chevrolet-corvette-silver_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-chevrolet-corvette-silver.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai raps rhapsodic about new Santa Fe in Korean ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/hyundai-raps-rhapsodic-about-new-santa-fe-in-korean-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/hyundai-raps-rhapsodic-about-new-santa-fe-in-korean-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/hyundai-raps-rhapsodic-about-new-santa-fe-in-korean-ads/#commentsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Hyundai, South Korea

Korean market Hyundai Santa Fe ad personalities

Commercials are a great way to learn about culture; since a seller has maybe 30 seconds to get something across, you see what people think is the most important thing to convey and the best way to convey it.

Having said that, we have no clue what's going on with some of the South Korean ads for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. In a couple of them, a genteel pair - we'll call them Run CUV and Jam Master Hyundai - lays down some mad lyrics, presumably about the Santa Fe. When they're not rapping, they're set in short episodic dramas to demonstrate the crossover's features. We're not sure if the pair are famous in Korea and frankly, we have no idea what they're talking about, but they look fun while they're doing it.

Scroll down for your Asian commercial fix for the day. You won't be disappointed.

Continue reading Hyundai raps rhapsodic about new Santa Fe in Korean ads

Hyundai raps rhapsodic about new Santa Fe in Korean ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20220695 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/hyundaisantaferaps_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/hyundaisantaferaps.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini's Raging Bull logo to adorn cigarettes in South Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/lamborghinis-raging-bull-logo-to-adorn-cigarettes-in-south-kore/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/lamborghinis-raging-bull-logo-to-adorn-cigarettes-in-south-kore/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/10/lamborghinis-raging-bull-logo-to-adorn-cigarettes-in-south-kore/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Lamborghini

Tonino Lamborghini cigarette lighter

Stand at the business end of a Lamborghini doing a smokey burnout and you're bound to get a lung or two full of all kinds of noxious chemicals. But if a showboating Aventador isn't at your disposal, soon you'll be able to light up a Lamborghini cigarette.

The Raging Bull smokes are reportedly being launched by South Korean tobacco giant KT&G on April 18 in collaboration with (read: under license from) Tonino Lamborghini. The brand already offers an assortment of high-end cigarette lighters (like the one pictured at right), cases, ashtrays and other smoking paraphernalia.

Tonino Lamborghini, we should note, is a merchandising brand that - while founded by supercar and tractor guru Ferruccio Lamborghini's son and bearing a similar logo - has nothing more to do these days with the automaker than that. So if you find the correlation a bit too commercial, you'll just have to look to the models standing next to the company's supercars at any given auto show, the ones stepping out of them onto the curbs outside any city's hottest clubs or the temperature of their engine's cam covers for your official dose of Lamborghini-grade smokin' hotness.

Lamborghini's Raging Bull logo to adorn cigarettes in South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cigarettecigarettesktglamborghinilamborghini cigarettessmokingsouth koreatobaccotoninotonino lamborghiniTue, 10 Apr 2012 07:55:00 EST

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20211368 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/tonino-lighter_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/tonino-lighter.jpg <![CDATA[Kentucky-built Toyota Camry headed to South Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/kentucky-built-toyota-camry-headed-to-south-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/kentucky-built-toyota-camry-headed-to-south-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/06/kentucky-built-toyota-camry-headed-to-south-korea/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, South Korea

2012 toyota camry

For years Detroit automakers carped about the low value of the Japanese yen versus the U.S. dollar, but these days, the opposite is true. The yen has rocketed up in value versus the dollar, and Japan's automakers are taking significant measures to mitigate its bottom-line-killing effects. In October Toyota demanded lower prices from its Japanese supply base, and now the Camry will be built in the U.S. and shipped overseas.

Toyota notes in the post-jump press release that it will build 6,000 Toyota Camry units in Georgetown, Kentucky and ship the units to Korea. The massive Georgetown plant employs nearly 7,000 employees working around the clock. This marks the first time Toyota will export the American-made Camry, yet Toyota isn't new to U.S. exports. The automaker exports 100,000 vehicles built in the U.S. annually, shipping them to 19 countries.

The announcement is likely an exciting one for workers at the Georgetown plant, and Toyota feels more exports could be forthcoming. Toyota's North America President, Yoshimi Inaba, states "we look forward to other opportunities to continue growing exports from our American operations." Hit the jump to read over the press release.

Continue reading Kentucky-built Toyota Camry headed to South Korea

Kentucky-built Toyota Camry headed to South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20121362 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2012-toyota-camry-se-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/2012-toyota-camry-se-fd.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: Budget, Minivan/Van, Kia, South Korea

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.

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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: Etc., Videos, South Korea

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.

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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: Motorsports, South Korea

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.

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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: Government/Legal, South Korea

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.

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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[<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: Etc., South Korea

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.

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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[GM announces 2013 Malibu will go on sale in South Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/05/gm-announces-2013-malibu-will-go-on-sale-in-south-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/05/gm-announces-2013-malibu-will-go-on-sale-in-south-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/05/gm-announces-2013-malibu-will-go-on-sale-in-south-korea/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, South Korea

2013 chevy malibu

2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu may be General Motors' best attempt yet at creating a truly global midsize sedan. GM says the Malibu will be sold in 100 countries spanning six continents, and one of those markets will be in South Korea, a country where the Malibu has never been offered before.

The General claims that interest in the 'Bu has grown in Korea, with 30,000 Internet club fan members in a market where the sedan has never before been offered. The excitement comes after GM unveiled the Malibu at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show, where the fresh four-door was named "Most Eye-Catching Car."

Korean car buyers tend to be a very nationalistic bunch, but that won't be a problem for the Malibu, since GM will build the sedan in Bupyeong, Korea this fall. In fact, the Bupyeong plant will be the first facility to build the new sedan. The move to sell the Malibu in Korea is part of GM's plan to replace the Daewoo make with the Chevrolet brand. Hit the jump to read over the GM press release.

Continue reading GM announces 2013 Malibu will go on sale in South Korea

GM announces 2013 Malibu will go on sale in South Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 May 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19928206 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2013-chevrolet-malibu-ltz-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2013-chevrolet-malibu-ltz-630.jpg <![CDATA[Officially Official: Chevrolet replaces Daewoo name in Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/officially-official-chevrolet-replaces-daewoo-name-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/officially-official-chevrolet-replaces-daewoo-name-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/officially-official-chevrolet-replaces-daewoo-name-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: Chevrolet, GM, South Korea, Daewoo

Chevrolet Camaro in Korea - Click above for high-resolution image

There once was a time when Daewoo was one of the biggest companies in South Korea. It was larger than both LG and Samsung, and second only to Hyundai. But these days the name is all but gone.

The Korean government disbanded the Daewoo Group in 1999. At that point GM already owned about half of Daewoo Motors, a stake that has varied over time. Ever since, the General has used Daewoo's resources to develop and produce a range of vehicles sold under other GM divisions, principally Chevrolet, which has already replaced Daewoo in many markets to become GM's principal global brand. (The globalization of Chevrolet has escalated to such an extent that, over the course of last year, somewhere in the world, a Chevy was being sold every 7.4 seconds.)

One of the few exceptions has been in Korea itself, where the Daewoo name still means something. But that something isn't necessarily good, and so GM is phasing out the name even in the brand's own domestic market. The development has been a long time coming, and will encompass both the cars themselves and the company that builds them. GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. is officially changing its name to GM Korea Co by the end of the quarter.

In an odd bit of history repeating, the company was called GM-Korea once before, after Detroit stepped in to take over half the company from Toyota, which had collaborated with what was then known as Shinjin Motor until 1972. Full details of the announcement in the press release after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Officially Official: Chevrolet replaces Daewoo name in Korea

Officially Official: Chevrolet replaces Daewoo name in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19808229 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/camarocompostie-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/camarocompostie-630.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai reportedly eying majority stake in S. Korea's largest construction firm]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/12/hyundai-reportedly-eying-majority-stake-in-s-koreas-largest-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/12/hyundai-reportedly-eying-majority-stake-in-s-koreas-largest-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/12/hyundai-reportedly-eying-majority-stake-in-s-koreas-largest-co/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Hyundai, South Korea

Hyundai is looking to expand and the South Korean automaker has its eyes set on its nations largest construction firm, Hyundai Engineering. The Hyundai Motor Group, led by Chairman Chung Mong Koo, is seeking majority ownership in the building company and has just gotten a boost towards its goal thanks to the removal of a major roadblock.

Hyundai Group, which is chaired by Chung Moo Koo's sister in-law Hyun Jeong Eun, was attempting to prevent Hyundai Motor Company from bidding on Hyundai Engineering. This attempt was blocked by the court and Chung Moo Koo is now free to bid on a stake in the construction company. If his group is successful, he will own the majority share of a major arm of his sister in-law's business group.

If you're into top-level business merger and acquisition stories, this is a truly dramatic one. However, this seems to be a bit less Thomas Crown and a tad more Gordon Gecko...

[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Hong Jim-Hwan/AFP/Getty Images]

Hyundai reportedly eying majority stake in S. Korea's largest construction firm originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chung mong koochung mong-koohyundaihyundai engineeringhyundai grouphyundai motor companysouth koreaWed, 12 Jan 2011 07:57:00 EST

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19794644 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/dvtogetty19576110-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/dvtogetty19576110-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Report: U.S., South Korea closer to new trade deal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/05/report-u-s-south-korea-closer-to-new-trade-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/05/report-u-s-south-korea-closer-to-new-trade-deal/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/05/report-u-s-south-korea-closer-to-new-trade-deal/#commentsFiled under: Government/Legal, South Korea

Flags

The United States and South Korea have reached an agreement regarding revisions to the free-trade deal between the two nations. This move allows the U.S. and the South Korea to move forward and look at approving the legislation, which has been delayed due to issues on both sides.

A rundown of what has been changed is as follows:

The U.S. can phase out its 2.5 percent tariff on automobiles over five years, instead of three.

Each U.S. Automaker can export up to 25,000 cars to South Korea annually provided they meet US crash standards.

The U.S. can continue charging a 25 percent tariff on trucks for eight years and then phase it out by the 10th year.

South Korea will eliminate its tariff on trucks.

Both sides report that significant progress has been made, and the revised agreement continues to be reviewed. With $68 billion in trade floating between the United States and the Republic of Korea, getting this trade agreement signed should serve to boost our national export business.

[Source: Automotive News - sub.req.]

Report: U.S., South Korea closer to new trade deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

North Korean Shelling

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 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.

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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.

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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: Government/Legal, South Korea

The 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.

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Chevrolet Aveo

Chevrolet Aveo - Click above for high-res image galery

General Motors recently announced it will resume work at its Orion Assembly factory. Two models are set to be produced there: the all-new Buick Verano and the redesigned Chevrolet Aveo. The Aveo, which we're still calling "Aveo" despite rumors that the redesigned compact will have a new name, is slated to start production next year. Initially, however, the car will be built at GM's plant in Seoul, South Korea.

The small car will enter the Korean market in the first half of 2011. After that, it will then begin its global rollout, with production starting up in Orion Township.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Chevrolet Aveo

Paris 2010: Chevrolet Aveo

Paris 2010: Chevrolet Aveo

Paris 2010: Chevrolet Aveo

Paris 2010: Chevrolet Aveo

Paris 2010: Chevrolet Aveo

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading New Chevrolet Aveo begins production... in Korea

New Chevrolet Aveo begins production... in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aveoaveo rsAveo RS ConceptBuickbuick veranochevroletchevrolet aveochevrolet aveo rschevygeneral motorsgmorion assemblyOrion Assembly Plantorion townshipseoulsouth koreaveranoMon, 18 Oct 2010 08:30:00 EST

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Chevrolet Cruze EV

Chevrolet Cruze EV - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chevrolet Volt hasn't yet gone on sale, but General Motors is looking at ways of expanding its electric vehicle lineup. Chevy, along with partner LG, is employing a group of all-electric cars in the form of the Cruze. The sedans are part of a demonstration fleet which is located in Seoul, South Korea and is being used to provide data in an electric vehicle research project. The goal is to gather information on driving patterns and charging behavior in addition to consumer acceptance.

The Cruze EVs, along with some Daewoo Lacetti Premieres EVs, are the first fleet of full-size electric vehicles and should provide invaluable information for The General. Staying full-size means not sacrificing cargo space, so the battery pack is mounted to the underbody, leaving the trunk area open for plenty recyclable, canvas grocery bags.

The current range of the Cruze EV is around 100 miles and the car is capable of a 0-60 run in 8.2 seconds. The Cruze EV can hit a top speed of 102.5 miles per hour. Currently, the Cruze EV can be recharged via a standard 220-volt outlet in 8 to 10 hours, however the researchers are testing "quick charge" methods to reduce that figure.

The program, which begins at the end of October, is currently a demonstration and research project for South Korea only. There have been no announcements made discussing the Cruze EV coming stateside.

Gallery: Chevrolet Cruze EV

Chevrolet Cruze EV

Chevrolet Cruze EV

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Chevy gets cracking on Cruze EV fleet testing

Chevy gets cracking on Cruze EV fleet testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19641150 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/chevrole-cruze-ev_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/chevrole-cruze-ev.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Korean ambassador stumps for more U.S. car sales in home market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-korean-ambassador-stumps-for-more-u-s-car-sales-in-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-korean-ambassador-stumps-for-more-u-s-car-sales-in-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/report-korean-ambassador-stumps-for-more-u-s-car-sales-in-home/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, South Korea

Han Duk-soo, the South Korean ambassador to the United States, recently urged the Detroit Chamber of Commerce to embrace increasing automotive imports from his country. Talk about a tough sell. However, the move would be part of a deal that would open South Korea to cars built in America - a market that has been notoriously protected by tariffs and other barriers. Duk-soo said that eliminating America's 2.5 percent tariff on cars built in South Korea would allow his country to do away with its eight percent automotive import tax at the same time.

Without a doubt, Ford, General Motors and Chrysler wouldn't mind diving deeper into a new consumer pool, but according to Representative Sander Levin (D), the U.S.-South Korean Free Trade Agreement needs significant revision before it can provide "meaningful market access" between the two countries. Lawmakers and manufacturers currently say that the agreement isn't adequate enough protection for U.S. exports to keep them from running into additional regulations that may hinder their sale in South Korea.

Meanwhile, Duk-soo says that perception is a misunderstanding, and that while his country's auto market was protected in the past, it's now open to imports. The ambassador even pointed to increasing U.S. auto sales in Korea even despite the hurdles. According to The Detroit News, April U.S. auto sales in the country were four times what they were in 2009, driven largely by the popular Ford Taurus.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: Korean ambassador stumps for more U.S. car sales in home market originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Free Trade AgreementFreeTradeAgreementHan Duk-SooHanDuk-sookorea tradekorean tradeKoreanTradeKoreaTradeSouth KoreaSouth Korean Ambassador to the US Han Duk-SooSouthKoreaSouthKoreanAmbassadorToTheUsHanDuk-sootradetrade relationsTradeRelationsUS-South Korean Free Trade AgreementUs-southKoreanFreeTradeAgreementFri, 20 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST

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