The automotive industry is an ever-growing market with colossal revenue generation and economic progress for a country. When we talk about the top 10 car brands in South Korea, we often consider various aspects of car companies that deal with manufacturing and design as well as the development and production of automobiles.
In this article, we will be looking at the best car brands and top luxury car brands in South Korea so that you can have a bird ‘ s-eye view of the current scenario and gauge the future of the automotive industry in the coming eras.
Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is one of the most well-known Korean car companies. The brand is based in Seoul and was established in 1967. Hyundai is notorious for making sleek and fuel-efficient vehicles like the Accent, Elantra, and Sonata.
The company has slowly shifted strategy and is now producing more hybrid and electronic cars, including the Elantra Hybrid, which can get up to 56 MPG on the highway.
The brand has something for everyone – SUVs, sedans, and compact vehicles. Hyundai’s new cars start at roughly $26,000 for basic trims. However, higher-end vehicles like the Santa FE Plugin-Hybrid cost around $40,000.
The Seoul-based company strongly emphasizes safety and has received stellar ratings from various organizations.
The next brand on our list is GM Korea Company – a subsidiary of the USA-based General Motors. The American automobile entered the Korean market when it acquired Daewoo Group. GM Korea is the third-largest automobile manufacturer in the country, behind Hyundai and Kia.
In addition to its manufacturing facilities, GM Korea has an ample research and development center where employees tackle the latest engineering projects. All in all, the company employs around 9,000 individuals in South Korea.
Another Korean car brand with global recognition is Kia Motors. Hyundai purchased Kia after Kida went bankrupt in 1997. However, Kia is a stand-alone brand; many consumers associate it with something other than Hyundai.
Some of the brand’s most significant core values include putting customers first, respecting the diversity of cultures, and embracing challenges.
Kia’s product selection includes sedans, hybrids, electrics, SUVs, MPVs, and crossovers. A brand-new Kia sedan will cost roughly $17,000, and a hybrid vehicle $24,700.
The brand’s basic trims include advanced features, such as a rear-camera display, Android Auto, and heated outside mirrors. And just because Kia is an affordable brand doesn’t mean it sacrifices safety.
Various Kia vehicles have earned the TOP SAFETY PICK title, including the Forte, Soul, and Kia stinger 4-door hatchback.
Ioniq is an electric car brand by Hyundai. The company dubs the car as the most “fuel-efficient in America.” An Ioniq Hybrid has 139 horsepower and can reach 60 MPG on the highway. All Ioniq vehicles have Apple CarPlay capabilities, touchscreen displays, and forward collision avoidance assist.
This line of cars is relatively inexpensive, with the MRSP starting at just over $23,000. Ioniq is part of Hyundai’s long-term goal of becoming a carbon-neutral company by 2045.
Want to buy an Ioniq in the United States? You’re lucky – you can purchase one from your local Hyundai dealer. Hyundai also offers leases that start at $200 per month.
In Busan, Renault Samsung Motors is a Korean car brand owned by the French company Groupe Renault. The company primarily targets the South Korean market.
It sells sedans, crossovers, SUVs, small electronic vehicles, and vans. Renault Samsung also has a small market share in Chile and the Philippines. Nonetheless, Renault Samsung has a lot of competition from Hyundai and Kia – two of South Korea’s largest automobile manufacturers.
Although the company has seen sales decline over the last few years, it continues to innovate in the electric vehicle space. The Busan-based company launched an all-electric car called ZOE in 2020. Not only that, but the company has continued to evolve by opening a car-sharing service.
SsangYong Motor Company is a relatively large vehicle manufacturer based out of Pyeongtaek-si. The Korean brand is a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra – an Indian automotive company. SsangYong Motor Company primarily focuses on producing SUVs and electric vehicles.
According to the company’s website, the brand is an industry leader in South Korea and manufactures the country’s first luxury car. Furthermore, SsangYong Motor Company sells its vehicles at roughly 1,700 dealerships in over 125 countries.
The company planned to launch in the United States in 2020 but delayed it due to unforeseen circumstances. According to company executives, the company is still working to penetrate the United States market. As of now, SsangYong Motor faces stiff competition from Kia and Hyundai.
The next brand on our list is Daewoo Motors, a company with roots dating back to 1937. General Motors purchased the company in 2001 and changed its name to “GM Korea.” Nevertheless, Daewoo Motors played an important role in South Korea’s car industry, and it’s worth mentioning.
Some of the brand’s most notable models include Nexia, Leganza, and LeMans. Daewoo Motors produced these vehicles in the 1980s and 1990s, and they had stylistic elements very similar to Chrysler models and Toyotas.
In the late 80s, the company started to produce Italian-designed cars, such as the Espero and Tico.
You can find Daewoo vehicles in the United States, but they’re far and few between. Many cars date back to the 80s or 90s and only cost a few thousand dollars.
C&T United is a lesser-known car brand that makes small electric vehicles. A former Hyundai executive founded this relatively new company in 2002. C&T United vehicles feature a fiberglass exterior and a maximum speed of 25 mph – making them “neighborhood vehicles.
” C&T United once planned to expand manufacturing operations into the United States, but the company pulled the plug after poor financial results.
Unfortunately, you’d be hard-pressed trying to find a C&T United vehicle in the United States. It must be clarified if C&T still produces electric cars, as the company needs a significant digital presence.
However, you may come across a C&T eZone, eVan, or cZone in residential areas of South Korea and Japan.
Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury line, primarily selling posh sedans with premium trims. The most affordable Genesis vehicle is the G70, with an MSRP of approximately $38,000. For $10,000 more, you can get the Genesis G80 – an 8-speed sedan in three trims.
Hyundai’s Genesis line entered the United States market in 2016. Today, you can find a limited selection of Genesis vehicles at Hyundai dealerships.
You can also build your own Genesis with all the desired bells and whistles. Genesis is a solid choice if you’re looking for a luxury sedan under the $80,000 price point.
Coming in at number ten on our list is CammSys Corp., a relatively new company in the electric vehicle industry. The company’s main line of business is its camera modules. However, the company announced it would expand its business and enter the micro-car space.
The first model was the Cevo-C. Before this announcement, the company released multiple concept cars, including the PM100 and TX700e. CammSys plans to sell its small electric vehicles for around $12,500, which is quite a steal compared to other cars on the market.
Customers have already preordered the Cevo-C, but it’s still being determined when the vehicle will be available. You should expect CammSys’ cars to stay on the American market for a while.
The top South Korean car brands listed here are some of the most durable. These are the brands to consider if you’re looking for a car that will last you for years. These are the top and most reliable South Korean car companies earning a reputation for manufacturing the leading vehicles.
Read also: Top 10 Car Brands in South Korea.
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