Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Hyundai Motor provides 346 vehicles for ASEAN summit
Hyundai Motor Group's IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 which are official vehicles for the 43rd ASEAN Summit are parked in front of the Independence Monument at Merdeka Square in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Hyundai Motor is supplying its electric cars, the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, for the 43rd ASEAN Summit. The company announced that it will provide a total of 346 vehicles of the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 to ensure the smooth progress of the summit to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday.
The 43rd ASEAN Summit, taking place from Sept 5 to Sept 7, will see the ten major Southeast Asian nations, focusing on the theme of "ASEAN's Importance: The Center of Growth," and discussing topics such as eco-friendly infrastructure, digital transformation, creative economy and finance.
During the event, Hyundai will provide 272 vehicles of the IONIQ 5, which will be utilized throughout, and 74 of the IONIQ 6, which will serve as official vehicles for the delegation's spouses. In addition, Hyundai will offer 24-hour emergency services and on-site charging services for the delegations. It will also provide vehicle training to the Indonesian presidential security division, which is responsible for the operation of the delegation's vehicles.
Hyundai previously supported the 42nd ASEAN Summit held in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, in May with 117 vehicles of the IONIQ 5 for VIPs and spouses. Last year, they also provided a total of 393 vehicles, including 87 of the Genesis G80 electric model, 44 electric Genesis G80 with a long wheelbase, and 262 of the Hyundai IONIQ 5, for the G20 Bali Summit.
"We are pleased to support the successful hosting of the ASEAN Summit and to continue our cooperation with the host country, the Indonesian government,” Hyundai Motor official said. "The IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 will usher in the era of electrification in the Indonesian automotive industry and provide eco-friendly mobility solutions to the Indonesian people."
Hyundai Motor IONIQ 6 / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group has raked in awards for its electric vehicles at the 2024 German Car of the Year with the Kia's EV9 and Hyundai's IONIQ 6.
The German Car of the Year, which is celebrating its 6th year, is selected by a panel of 38 automotive experts who evaluate practicality, driving performance, innovation, market suitability and other criteria for 48 new cars.
The award categories include Luxury, Premium, Compact, New Energy and Performance, totaling five categories.
Among the five winning models, one will be selected as the final German Car of the Year, with the announcement scheduled for early next month.
Kia's large electric Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) EV9 has claimed the title of German Car of the Year in the Luxury category, surpassing competing models like the BMW XM and Lexus RZ.
Hyundai Motor Group explained that the EV9 received high praise for its luxurious design and various cutting-edge features.
Hyundai's second dedicated electric car, the IONIQ 6, competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV and Rolls-Royce SPECTRE and won in the New Energy category, thanks to its innovative design and outstanding charging technology.