Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Hyundai Motor salesperson achieves milestone with customer-centric mindset
Kang Byung-chul, a sales director for Hyundai Motor’s commercial vehicles, poses at his office in Seoul, in this undated photo. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
By Lee Min-hyung
Kang Byung-chul, a sales director for Hyundai Motor’s commercial vehicles, cites his unwavering focus on a customer-centric mindset as the key driving force for his surprising sales milestone.
He earned the recognition as the carmaker’s second salesperson to achieve a cumulative total of 3,000 commercial vehicle sales.
The figure is noteworthy in that all the sales were from commercial cars, such as large trucks for transportation of equipment. Commercial cars refer to specially-designed vehicles, such as buses, vans and concrete trucks known in Korea as "remicon."
Kang joined the automaker in 1997 and achieved robust sales over his 28 years with the company. In 2022, he also received the title of sales master after reaching a milestone of more than 2,500 vehicles sold.
Kang said he has not hesitated to travel to meet interested customers.
“There is no special secret for my sales,” he said during a telephone interview. “I travel all around the country when customers contact me. I always make it a rule to listen to the voice of customers with sincerity and empathy.”
The sales achievement is particularly meaningful as the market for locally made commercial vehicles is under growing threat from rival Chinese firms.
Despite unfavorable market conditions, Kang stands out due to his strong expertise in the market for commercial vehicles. He helps customers deal with any potential legal issues and resolve problems regarding vehicle defects.
Kang said his attitude is possible due to his strong sales philosophy of treating customers like family members. This enabled a number of customers to contact him again for new contracts.
“I will keep my attitude until retirement and do my best to serve customers with sincerity," he added.