Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Renault Samsung aims to sell 1,000 EVs
Park Dong-hoon, center, sales chief and vice president of Renault Samsung Motor, speaks ahead of a ceremony to open the International Electric Vehicle Expo on Jeju Island, Friday. / Yonhap
By Park Jin-hai
By Park Jin-hai
Renault Samsung Motor said Friday that it aims to sell 1,000 electric vehicles (EVs) here this year.
“Our annual sales goal for the year is 1,000, about one-third of the amount the government is looking to have people purchase this year,” said Park Dong-hoon, sales chief and vice president of Renault Samsung.
He made the remarks ahead of a ceremony to open the International Electric Vehicle Expo on Jeju Island.
“Our goal is to become an industry leader in the Korean electric car market,” he added.
Renault Samsung's flagship SM3 ZE electric car is the country's No. 2 best-selling EV, after Kia Motors' Soul EV. It sold 309 last year.
He said the electric vehicle market in Korea is still limited as people mostly buy them with government subsidies.
“The lack of charging stations and the law restricting their installation near apartment buildings should be dealt with to expand the market,” he said.
Park said that EV taxis can solve those troubles.
“We conclude the taxi market is the answer. In the taxi industry, installation is not such a big issue since the taxi company can install it on its property.”
He stressed that EV taxis are the most efficient way to expand the use of EVs.
“Taxis that travel long distances are the transport that requires emission controls the most. Also, in countries where EV taxies are popular, the overall EV market tends to grow fast,” he said.
By supplying just 500 electric cars to the country's fleet of taxis, some 2.4 million people will be able to experience those cars each year, according to the Renault Samsung vice president.
The Korean electric car market, although still relatively small, has been rapidly expanding over the past few years. Last year the total sales of EVs stood at 1,183, up 65.5 percent than the 715 sold the previous year.