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.
Hanwha, Tesla team up
By Park Jin-hai
Hanwha Q CELLS Chief Commercial Officer Kim Dong-kwan
By Park Jin-hai
Hanwha Q CELLS, the solar power unit of Hanwha Group, has joined hands with Tesla to target the solar market in Europe, the company said Tuesday.
At an international solar energy fair, Intersolar Europe, which opened in Munich Germany today and continues until Friday, the world’s largest cell maker displayed Tesla’s Model S electric super car in its joint promotion.
Industry insiders see that Kim Dong-kwan, the heir apparent of the Hanwha Group and chief commercial officer of Hanwha QCELLS who attended the fair with the company, have played a critical role in the joint marketing.
Visitors to the company booth can see a demonstration of a Tesla car battery being quickly charged with Hanwha Q CELLS-made solar photovoltaic cells. They also have opportunities to win a weekend with the Tesla Model S by participating in a raffle.
The joint promotion is expected to raise Hanwha Q CELLS’ brand value in Europe and the United States, as well as cementing Kim’s influence within the group.
“We see more opportunities for cooperation in the field of electric car battery,” said a company official.
The company will seek to further expand marketing and cooperation with the carmaker because the two share the goal of enlarging the market for cleaner and sustainable energy sources.
“Yet, the methods of the future cooperation should be decided later,” the official added.
The industry sees that the joint marketing is part of Tesla’s move to include energy in its business portfolio. The carmaker in April released battery power packs for industrial and residential uses. Battery packs can store energy of solar power generation.
The carmaker also has been building solar energy-based free charging stations called Superchargers around the world.
Hanwha Q CELLS, during the fair, has showcased the Q.Antum cell technology Q. Plus Series, one of the most efficient modules in the solar energy industry generating up to 340 watt peak capacity or 72 cells of electricity. The company has also unveiled home energy solution Q Home.
“In the European solar market, which moves toward the home solar market from the conventional utility market, we will proactively respond to market changes,” said Nam Sung-woo, CEO of Hanwha Q CELLS, in a statement.