What cars does Korea make?

 

Korea is a major player in the global auto industry, known for building reliable, tech-packed, and stylish vehicles. Here's a breakdown of the main South Korean car brands and what kinds of cars they produce:

1. Hyundai

• Status: One of the largest automakers in the world
• Known for: Great value, design, tech, and long warranties
• Popular models:
  • Elantra / Sonata – Sedans
  • Tucson / Santa Fe / Palisade – SUVs
  • Kona / Ioniq 5 / Ioniq 6 – Electric vehicles
• Vibe: Practical to premium, now pushing into EV and performance territory

2. Kia

• Owned by: Hyundai Motor Group (but operates as a separate brand)
• Known for: Stylish, sporty design and lots of features for the price
• Popular models:
  • Forte / K5 – Sedans
  • Sportage / Sorento / Telluride – SUVs
  • EV6 / EV9 – Bold, high-tech electric vehicles
• Vibe: Fun, forward-looking, very design-driven

3. Genesis

• Luxury division of: Hyundai
• Known for: Competing with Mercedes, BMW, and Lexus
• Popular models:
  • G70 / G80 / G90 – Sedans
  • GV70 / GV80 – SUVs
  • GV60 – Electric luxury crossover
• Vibe: Understated luxury, premium without the premium price

4. SsangYong (Now KG Mobility)

• Status: Recently rebranded
• Known for: Affordable SUVs and off-roaders
• Popular models: Rexton, Korando, Torres
• Vibe: Tough, practical, more popular in developing or niche markets

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5. Renault Korea Motors (formerly Renault Samsung)

• Owned by: Renault
• Known for: Localized versions of Renault and Nissan models
• Popular models (mostly Korea-only): XM3, SM6
• Vibe: Mainly domestic focus, with some exports to select markets

What Korea Exports:

• South Korea exports a huge number of vehicles globally, especially from Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
• They're strong in:
  • Compact cars
  • SUVs
  • Electric vehicles
  • Luxury sedans (Genesis)