Korean car brands are highly competitive in the global market. Korean brand cars hold a significant share of the world’s automobile exports, making it one of the two largest export companies in South Korea. Korean car companies are known for their innovations in-car technologies.
A lot of popular car models in the world are manufactured by Korean Auto Makers. Hyundai, Kia, and Daewoo are the most popular Korean brands. These three automobile companies produce cars in a wide range of vehicles, from small cars to semi-luxury cars. They also manufacture hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), SUV trucks, and buses, among others.
To give you more information about car companies based in Korea, we have listed a total of 10 car brands from Korea. We have included car brands that are not present within us today. Without further ado, let’s get into the list of Korean car brands:
List of Popular Korean Car Brands that are active Now:
- Pyeonghwa Motors
- Hyundai
- Kia Motors
- Daewoo
- SsangYong Motor
- Renault Samsung Motor
- CT & T United
- Proto Motors
- Zyle Daewoo Bus Corporation
- Asia Motors
Popular car brands in Korea:
This list contains the most popular Korea-based car brands.
Pyeonghwa Motors
Pyeonghwa Motors was founded in 1999 by the Unification Church and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company is a North Korean car manufacturer that has been operating since its establishment. It specializes in producing small cars, pick-up vehicles, etc. The firm also has special rights to acquire, sell, and manufacture automobiles in North Korea. Pyeonghwa Motors can produce ten thousand cars each year.
However, due to the small North Korean automobile market, Pyeonghwa Motors is only able to produce up to 400 cars per year. Pyeonghwa Motors has the potential to increase its production and operate in foreign countries.
The famous models of this company include Samcheonri, Hwiparam, Zunma, Paso 990, Premio DX, etc.
To produce the Samcheonri model, the company took about six months. This vehicle was powered by a 600cc engine and was produced at the Pyeonghwa Motors plant in Pyongyang. The car’s design resembles an older Jinbei Haise.
The Hwiparam is a four-door car. The car could accommodate up to four people in its small space. Hwiparam’s design is similar to the Fiat Siena.
That’s all about Pyeonghwa Motors. Now let’s move to the second one in our lis of Korean car manufacturing companies: Hyundai.
Hyundai
Hyundai, one of the oldest car companies that have been in the market for 75 years. Hyundai Motor Company was founded in 1967 by Chung Ju-Yung and has since grown to become one of the world’s most successful automotive companies. Hyundai’s range of cars is recognized for its excellent fuel efficiency, cutting-edge safety features, and affordable prices.
Today, the company manufactures cars at more than 100 plants worldwide. With an annual capacity of 3.2 million vehicles, it is currently the largest car manufacturer in South Korea and the fifth largest in the world.
Hyundai Motor has an impressive record of achievement. The company was listed on the Korean Stock Exchange just three years after its creation by Chung Ju-Yung. Over 30 years later, Hyundai became a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). It’s also one of only two companies that have won both medals for Car of The Year awards for production cars and SUVs within a space of 24 months.
Hyundai produces an extensive range of vehicles, including sedans and hatchbacks. It has expanded rapidly into SUVs and commercial vehicles. The company developed the world’s first 48V Hybrid Vehicle – Hyundai Ioniq HEV-II: an electrified version of its popular hybrid model. The main offices are located in Seoul, South Korea, on Yeongdo Island, along with most management divisions.
The famous models of Hyundai are Hyundai Stellar, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Tiburon , Hyundai i10, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai creta, Hyundai Ioniq etc.
Let’s explore a few models developed by this company:
Hyundai Stellar is a car manufactured by Hyundai; it was produced from 1987 to 1992. Hyundai Sonata is a mid-size car that is sold mostly in North America and provides competition to models like Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Hyundai Tiburon is a two-door sports coupe that was first introduced back in 1996 as an affordable, entry-level sports car. Hyundai i10 has been a city car market since 2008. The Hyundai i20, a 3-door hatchback utility vehicle version of the first generation, was launched in 2009 as a replacement for the Hyundai Getz.
That’s all about Hyundai. Thank you for reading this info. Now let’s go to the next one: Kia Motors.
Kia Motors
Kia Motors is a South-Korean multinational company that designs, manufactures, and distributes passenger cars, sports utility vehicles, commercial vehicles, buses. Founded in 1944, but Kia was officially launched in December 1947. Today they are one of the fastest-growing car companies in the world, with their headquarters located in Seoul.
Kia Motors Corp., an affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells passenger cars under the Kia brand and is the global luxury vehicle distributor of Hyundai Motors. The company also offers a complete range of services through its network of distributors and dealers covering some 150 countries.
The company was founded in 1944 as a bicycle manufacturing company. In 1952 with the new name Kia Motors, they started manufacturing motorcycles and cars. Kia has always focused on safety features, good design, and affordable prices. To keep in touch with the latest trends in the industry, they decided to open new headquarters in Europe and the USA.
The best-selling models of Kia motors are Sportage, Forte, Rio, Sorento, Optima, Soul, and many more. Sportage is a crossover vehicle. It has a great fuel economy, and it is built on the platform of Hyundai Tucson. Sportage is offered in two versions: Sportage I with 2.0L Gamma engine and Sportage II with 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, which delivers 175 hp and 185 hp.
Forte is a four-door compact sedan equipped with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and delivers 138 kW. The car’s design, performance, safety features, and fuel economy make it very popular. Rio comes in LX, EX, and SX versions. The 1.4L gasoline engine delivers 75 hp. Sorento is a mid-size crossover SUV. It’s equipped with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 166 hp and 3.5L V6 delivering 200 hp.
That’s a brief about Kia Motors, now let’s get to the next one: Daewoo.
Daewoo
Daewoo is a South Korean company that was founded in 1967 and expanded to be one of the world’s largest automakers. Originally, the company sold cars and trucks to families and small businesses across Korea before eventually expanding into North America. Nowadays, Daewoo focuses on manufacturing light commercial vehicles and has been brought up by General Motors.
Daewoo cars are made with an eye on quality and durability. They have been designed to stand up against typical wear and tear as well as sudden accidents or collisions. The company also makes sure that its vehicles contain all the latest safety features such as airbags and seatbelts to protect drivers in case of emergencies. And because Daewoo wants to provide more than just a vehicle, they offer after-sales services like roadside assistance.
Daewoo’s famous car models are Matiz, Nubira, Tacuma, windstorm, Leganza. The Daewoo Matiz is an award-winning car that has sold over 3 million units worldwide since its launch in 1998.
The Daewoo Matiz offers an unprecedented level of comfort for city driving. It has a high ground clearance that makes it easy to drive in the streets of any city, and its wheelbase is double the wheelbase of current models in this class.
The Nubira is a five-door sedan that was introduced to the market in 1997 and was very successful as a family car. The Nubira is available with a petrol engine. It’s equipped with all the usual power delivery components found on four-cylinder engines.
The award-winning Daewoo Tacuma is a mid-size five-door hatchback launched in 2000. It offers class-leading performance with economical consumption. A total of 5 people can sit in this car.
Daewoo Leganza is a medium-sized sedan introduced in the market in 1997. The powertrain of this car offers class-leading performance with economical consumption. It has five seats and all the comfort features of a luxury sedan.
Daewoo cars are very popular in the world market. It has made a name for itself with its stylish design, high quality, and affordable price. I hope you got a clear insight about Daewoo, now let’s get into the next one on the list of popular Korean car brands: SsangYong Motor.
SsangYong Motor
SsangYong Motor Company is a South Korean automobile manufacturer based in Busan, South Korea. Founded in 1994, the company’s history includes producing Jeeps and SUVs for the civilian population and military alike, and they were even commissioned to produce automobiles for GM during their time of financial distress. Nowadays, SsangYong Motor Company produces sedans, SUVs, and crossovers.
It was founded by the Indian industrial conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra Limited.
Today, SsangYong Motor Company is one of South Korea’s largest automobile manufacturers. It was founded with the intent to produce cars for the local market and export them worldwide under its own brand name. Their first model line-up consisted entirely of rebranded Daewoo cars, namely the Chairman, Korando Sports, Rexton, and Tivoli.
The other famous models of Ssyang Motors are SsangYong Rodius, Ssyang Rexton, SsangYong Korando, Transstar, Tivoli, XLV, Musso, Istana, etc. It is also known as one of the most talented car manufacturers in South Korea.
SsangYong Rexton is SsangYong’s latest SUV. This car offers high performance in an all-around package. It has a powerful engine and comes with many advanced features and specifications like a quality transmission and suspension system, updated brakes, and tires.
Tivoli is also a well-known SUV produced by SsangYong in South Korea. Also, they come with some powerful engines and updated features like updated suspensions and strong braking systems, etc.
SsangYong Transtar is one of the most popular trucks in South Korea. It is used for the transportation of various commercial goods, agricultural purposes, etc. They are very reliable and have a high-quality build which lets them run for a longer period of time without breaking down or requiring any major repairs. SsangYong Transstar is also one of the most durable trucks in South Korea.
SsangYong Motors has an excellent research and development team. The company provides the most advanced technologies in its cars. SsangYong Motors is one of the topmost automakers in South Korea. It is famous for providing high-quality automobiles which are equipped with the latest features and highly durable built.
Renault Samsung Motor
Renault Samsung Motor Company is one of the world’s largest automakers. It was founded in 1954 and has since grown to become the 9th largest automaker in the world. It operates in 150 different countries, including Brazil, India, and China, where it opened over 100 new dealerships during 2017.
The company has gone through many changes but has always remained true to its mission statement: “To develop and produce top quality cars that are safe for users.”
The manufacturing plants are located in Busan, South Korea. There are over 4,000 dealerships around the world where you can buy Renault vehicles for sale.
The Renault Samsung car Company has created many models like SM5, Samsung QM5, and SM7.
SM5 is a mid-sized sedan. It is a comfortable, luxurious and safe car. The QM5 is an entry-level luxury vehicle. It sells as a four-door sedan as well as a two-door coupe. It has an anti-lock braking system to keep you safe for your family and keeps you from sliding around the road too much in bad conditions.
SM7 is a full-size luxury sedan. The SM7 is one of the top-grossing vehicles of Renault Samsung. It is a full-size luxury car and has a V8 engine to give you speed and acceleration on demand.
QM5 is a mini MPV with enough room for five adults and plenty of room in the trunk. It has seven airbags to ensure your family stays safe. It is one of the most affordable luxury vehicles on the market.
Renault Samsung has been used as an official vehicle for many different events, such as the FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. It has also been seen at the New York Auto Show and Los Angeles Auto Show.
These were a few active Korean Car brands that are actively present on roads today. Apart from them, there are many car brands that hold a very significant share in the market but are not that active. Let’s explore them.
Other Car Active Manufacturers from Korea:
CT&T United
CT&T United Car Company has been in the automobile industry for over 15 years and is one of the top car manufacturing corporations in South Korea. CT&T United Car Company produces a range of vehicles, from sedans to SUVs and everything in between. It’s no wonder that CT&T United Car Company has received numerous awards for their work-they making some of the best automobiles on the market!
CT&T was founded by Young Gi Lee and Joseph J. White, and it’s headquartered in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. This company is known for battery-powered vehicle manufacturing. The company is also famous for producing cars that reduce fuel consumption and other such qualities.
The owner of CT&T United Car Company, Young Gi Lee, was born in South Korea. He has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and has an MBA. Lee worked for General Motors for several years before deciding to found his own car company.
The famous models of CT& T United are CT&T e-zone, CT&T FIVe, CT&TeZONE Plus, Tropic, Police EV, Evan, cZone, etc.
The firm has a US regional assembly and sales network. As a result, there’s a good probability the firm will begin vehicle production in the United States in small factories soon.
Proto Motors
Proto Motors was founded in 1997 and had been manufacturing cars ever since. The company is based out of South Korea and specializes in manufacturing car parts for other car companies around the world. They have partnered with many car companies Kia Motors, Daewoo, Hyundai.
They have been involved with supplying car parts to some of the biggest names in the automotive industry, including Hyundai, Subaru, Kia, Audi, Citroën, and many others!
This brand is mainly involved in redesigning and recurving many automotive parts and suspension components. They specialize in producing electric cars, battery-operated cars, engine devices, and many more.
In recent years there has been an increase in demand for electric cars. People are starting to realize that fuel is expensive, and they want to save money by building an oil rig in their homes. That’s why Proto Motors is more focused on creating and selling electric vehicles.
Spirra is a unique electric car designed by Proto Motors. It is a sporty two-seater coupe that was introduced in 2011 at the New York International Auto Show. It is estimated that this vehicle will go into production in 2014, but no word has been given about where these cars will be produced.
In 2001 a limousine was designed by Proto Motors. At that time, they were mostly involved in creating components for other companies, but recently they have changed their focus on building their own brand and product line, which includes sports cars and motorcycles, and many more.
Zyle Daewoo Bus Corporation
Zyle Daewoo Bus Corporation is a South Korean bus manufacturer headquartered in the Busanjin District, Busan. They produce buses with either diesel or gas engines, and the company also specializes in supplying parts for other bus manufacturers.
Zyle Daewoo has been producing buses for over 15 years and today is one of the leading bus manufacturers in South Korea, with total sales of over 20,000 units.
The company specializes in manufacturing mid-sized coaches (intercity buses). Their main exports are to China, South America, and Eastern Europe.
Zyle was founded in 2002 by the Young-An Hat Company. Shortly thereafter, he developed a new concept which was to produce mid-sized coaches. The company cooperates with European automotive companies in design and development.
The first Zyle bus was delivered to China in 2003. Today Zyle Daewoo is well known for its technology, beautiful designs, and reliability.
The famous bus models of Zyle company are the Daewoo FX212 Super Cruiser, BH115H Royal Express, Royal Nonstop, urban and nonurban buses, etc.
FX212 Super Cruiser is a 12-meter air-conditioned bus. It can carry 90 passengers and has a roomy interior with comfortable seats. This model was first introduced in 2007 and is widely used throughout South Korea as a city bus as well as a tourist bus. FX212 Super Cruiser is produced at the Busan factory.
These buses are well known for their reliable engines, comfortable seats, and advanced safety systems. Zyle coaches come standard with air conditioning, radio equipment, DVD player, ABS brakes, or an anti-lock system to ensure that the driver maintains full control of the vehicle at all times.
Asia Motors
Asia Motors was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in South Korea. They offer a wide variety of vehicles, from small cars to luxury sedans, Jeeps to SUVs, etc., for everyone who wants a high-quality vehicle at a reasonable price.
In 1976 it was turned into a subsidiary branch of Kia Motors. The production of Asia Motors includes small and medium cars, SUVs, vans, buses, trucks, commercial vehicles.
Asia Motors is the official distributor of Hyundai Motor Company in North Korea. Also, they distribute Kia Motors’ products. Their models are present in over 100 countries around the world. In 1999 they had permanently closed production.
The famous models of Asia Motors include Asia Topic, Combi, Granto, Rocsta, Cosmos, Towner, etc.
Asia Topic is a car for those who have a desire to own a true classic. It combines modern technologies and original design from the production of South Korean cars, which makes it an excellent option for everyone interested in style with the help of which you can feel proud of yourself on any occasion.
The Rocsta is designed in 1970s style. It is an off-road vehicle having four wheels.
The Granto is one of the most luxurious vehicles designed by Asia Motors, thanks to its wide tires and powerful engines, which provide flexibility in all conditions.
Asia Motors offers Asia Towner a minivan that can easily fit into the smallest parking lot. Asia Motors also has Asia-chief, a collection of heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles with a low cost per kilometer.
That’s what we all have for Asia motors.
Along with the names of popular Korean based car brands, we have also provided a small description of each of the cars. You might have heard about a few of these brands before, like Hyundai, Kia Motors, and SsangYong. But, there are also some brands that weren’t heard of before. If you are a car enthusiast, it is important to get familiar with all of these brands and their models.
But for now, these are all the brands that you can buy in Korea. If there are any other brands to be added, leave a comment below, and we will update the list of Korean car manufacturing companies accordingly! Do let us know if this article was useful to you 🙂 Thanks for reading!