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"Leading the Era of Physical AI"… Government Launches 1 Trillion Won 'On-Device AI Semiconductor' Development Project

Government Launches 1 Trillion Won 'K-On-Device AI Semiconductor Technology Development' Project with Key Industries The government is launching a 1 trillion-won project to develop 'K-On-Device AI Semiconductor Technology,' partnering with semiconductor demand and supply companies across four key sectors: automotive, Internet of Things (IoT) and home appliances, machinery and robotics, and defense. On the 20th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) held an 'AI Semiconductor Collaboration Forum' at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul, where they signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for technological cooperation with domestic fabless companies (semiconductor design firms) and demand companies. On-device AI semiconductors are next-generation chips that can be directly embedded in devices such as smartphones, cars, and robots, allowing them to perform AI computations without the need for connection to servers or the cloud. Their strengths include real-time computation, high security, low network dependency, and low power consumption. This project, which amounts to a total of 1 trillion won, is focused not only on the development of on-device AI semiconductors but also on related software, modules, and AI models. It aims to develop a full-stack solution and apply it to real-world industries through practical demonstrations. Demand companies, including Hyundai Motor, LG Electronics, Doosan Robotics, Daedong, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), are participating from the planning phase of the project, forming a "dream team" with domestic fabless and software companies to collaborate on everything from technology development to mass production. The Ministry of Industry is currently fast-tracking procedures such as applying for exemption from preliminary feasibility studies. The goal is to start government funding as early as next year. Over the past six months, the Ministry has received 193 technology demands, carefully reviewing their industrial impact and competitiveness. Based on this, four priority sectors for support were selected, and six detailed development projects were identified. Specifically, these projects include: ▲AI chips for autonomous vehicles that can operate even in unstable communication environments ▲Smart home semiconductors that enable family-customized lighting and temperature/humidity control ▲Chips for humanoid robots that interact with humans ▲Defense semiconductors for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of autonomous decision-making and precise strikes without communication At the forum, fabless companies demonstrated their on-device AI semiconductor technologies under development and shared collaboration plans and business models with demand companies. After the technology development phase, the government plans to strengthen the supply chain and expand the industrial ecosystem through follow-up support, including standardization, certification, supply chain establishment, and domestic and international marketing. Minister of Industry Ahn Deok-geun stated, "Just as Intel ruled the PC era, Apple led the mobile era, and Nvidia dominated the generative AI era, we are now transitioning into the era of physical AI, where the market is waiting for a new leader." He emphasized, "The government will swiftly promote the 'K-On-Device AI Semiconductor' technology development project to ensure that South Korea can become a leader in the physical AI era." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-05-20 16:49:22 메트로신문 기자

Lotte Chemical Aims for Second Half Performance Rebound... Indonesia Plant Expected to Start Operations

Lotte Chemical Builds Optimism for Recovery After Three Years of Losses Lotte Chemical is growing more optimistic about a recovery in its performance, overcoming three consecutive years of losses. The company is making significant strides in improving profitability, thanks to ongoing cost-reduction efforts and the effects of restructuring. With asset sales and other measures to improve its financial structure, the potential for a shift to positive cash flow this year is becoming more likely. According to industry sources on the 19th, Lotte Chemical is expected to benefit from a decrease in naphtha prices starting in the second half of this year, which will ease its raw material costs. The naphtha price hit a low of $551 per ton on the 16th, marking the lowest level of the year. This represents an 18% drop compared to the average price of $673 per ton in January. Lotte Chemical operates naphtha cracker-based facilities, so it is highly sensitive to fluctuations in raw material prices. Given the high proportion of fixed costs in the petrochemical industry, the drop in naphtha prices is seen as a crucial factor that could reduce the company’s deficit. Some analysts predict that the impact of the naphtha price drop could be reflected with a delay due to the lagging effect of price adjustments and scheduled maintenance, which could temporarily increase the loss margin in the second quarter. However, many experts agree that product profitability is not expected to worsen. In addition, the effects of Lotte Chemical’s $5 billion investment in its Indonesia Line project are expected to take full effect starting next year. This large-scale investment, made amid declining profitability in the petrochemical industry due to oversupply from China, has been a focal point. The company has reduced its stake in the Indonesia project from 49% to 24%, easing its financial burden. Lotte Chemical is also managing its debt ratio, which has steadily improved, ensuring solid financial health. As of the first quarter, the company’s debt ratio stood at 71.53%, a slight decrease from 72.87% in the previous year. While this is still higher compared to 65.46% in 2023, the company has maintained a balanced debt-to-asset ratio, continuing to follow an optimal capital structure. Despite recording an operating loss of KRW 126.6 billion in the first quarter, marking its sixth consecutive quarter of losses, Lotte Chemical showed signs of improvement. The company reduced its loss margin compared to KRW 135.3 billion in operating loss for the same period last year, thanks to spread improvements, cost-saving measures, and favorable currency effects. Although it was difficult to avoid the effects of maintenance, which is expected to be completed by June 16, analysts anticipate that performance improvements will be seen after the second quarter. Lotte Chemical is also actively improving its financial structure and cash flow through an asset-light strategy. The company is restructuring low-efficiency businesses and selling non-core assets, including the closure of its synthetic rubber business in Malaysia and the sale of its high-purity terephthalic acid (PTA) subsidiary in Pakistan and all of its shares in Japan's Rezonac early this year. However, some analysts caution that oversupply issues in China and the Middle East could persist, and monitoring market trends in these regions will be important. There are also concerns that the improvement in profitability from the drop in naphtha prices may be temporary. Naphtha price volatility could increase depending on external factors, such as decisions made by OPEC and the recovery of global demand. Lee Yong-wook, a researcher at Hanwha Investment & Securities, stated, "The NCC spread is gradually improving, and Lotte Chemical’s loss margin is shrinking. However, the second quarter may see a slight temporary increase in losses due to maintenance impacts." He added, "The easing of U.S.-China tensions and China’s domestic stimulus policies are expected to positively impact the company. Through the sale of its Pakistan subsidiary and the liquidity of Rezonac shares, cash flow improvement and reduced interest expense burden are expected." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-05-19 16:32:37 메트로신문 기자

"AI, Gaming, and Camera – All in One"… Qualcomm Unveils 'Snapdragon 7 Gen 4'

Qualcomm Technologies announced on the 18th the release of its next-generation mobile platform, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 Mobile Platform, aimed at the mid-premium smartphone market. A Qualcomm spokesperson stated, "The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is the latest platform in the Snapdragon 7 series, designed to enhance the multimedia experience that users prefer and deliver overall powerful performance. Several global manufacturers are expected to adopt it." The new platform boasts significant improvements over its predecessor, including a 27% increase in central processing unit (CPU) performance, a 30% boost in graphics processing unit (GPU) rendering speed, and over a 65% enhancement in artificial intelligence (AI) performance. These improvements greatly enhance core user experiences such as photography, video recording, gaming, and AI-based functionalities. In particular, the platform features advanced image processing technology and the "Snapdragon Elite Gaming" function, providing immersive action game play and clear photographic performance. It also supports innovative features such as an on-device generative AI assistant and large language models (LLM). For the first time in the series, the platform includes a Stable Diffusion-based image generation feature, enabling users to easily create content on their mobile devices. Chris Patrick, Senior Vice President and Head of Qualcomm’s Mobile Handsets Division, stated, "We bring the user experience enabled by AI to the hardware level, making it easier for users to create and share content." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-05-18 16:32:54 메트로신문 기자

우크라·러, 휴전 협상 불발…포로 교환에는 합의

우크라이나-러시아 전쟁 발발 3년 2개월 만에 성사된 러시아와 우크라이나 사이의 협상이 90분 만에 종료됐다. 양국은 포로 일부 교환에는 합의했지만, 휴전 등 핵심 쟁점에서는 좀처럼 입장차를 좁히지 못했다. AFP 통신 등 외신에 따르면 지난 16일(현지시간) 오후 튀르키예 이스탄불 돌마바흐체 궁전에서 열린 러시아와 우크라이나 대표단 간 회담은 개최 90분만에 종료됐다. 이날 협상은 우크라이나 측에서는 루스템 우메로프 국방장관이, 러시아 측에서는 블라디미르 메딘스키 크렘린궁 보좌관이 대표로 참여 한 것으로 알려졌다. 중재역으로는 하칸 피단 튀르키예 외무장관이 참여했다. 피단 장관은 회담이 끝난 뒤 사회관계망 서비스 엑스(X, 옛 트위터)를 통해 "양측 대표단이 휴전을 목표로 하는 협상을 위해 다시 만나기로 원칙적으로 동의했다"면서 "신뢰 구축 차원에서 1000명씩 포로를 교환하기로 합의했다"라고 밝혔다. 이번 포로 교환이 예정대로 성사될 경우, 지난 2022년 2월 개전 이후 최대 규모의 포로 교환이 성사된다. 이날 회담에서는 휴전 및 우크라이나-러시아 간 정상회담 개최 여부가 집중 논의된 것으로 알려졌다. 다만 포로 교환에 관련된 내용은 양국의 소통이 단절된 동안에도 제3국의 중재를 통해 여러 차례 논의됐던 내용인 만큼, 이날 협상에서는 실질적 성과가 없었다는 게 주된 관측이다. 메딘스키 크렘린궁 보좌관은 회담 직후 "전반적으로는 회담 결과가 만족스러우며, 우리는 우크라이나와 연락을 지속할 준비가 됐다"며 "우크라이나 측이 정상 간 직접 대화를 요청했다"라고 발표했다. 우메로프 우크라이나 국방부 장관은 포로 교환 일정에 관해 "날짜는 이미 정해졌지만, 아직은 공개하지 않을 것"이라고 밝혔다. /안승진기자 asj1231@metroseoul.co.kr

2025-05-17 11:15:35 안승진 기자

무디스, 미국 국가신용등급 강등

신용평가사 무디스(moody's)가 미국의 국가신용등급을 Aaa에서 Aa1로 강등했다. APF통신 등 현지언론에 따르면 신용평가사 무디스는 16일(현지시간) 미국의 국가신용등급을 Aaa에서 Aa1로 강등했다. Aaa는 최고 등급인데, 이를 Aa1로 한 단계 하향 조정한 것이다. 무디스는 "미국의 정부 부채와 이자 지급 비율이 10년 이상 증가해 비슷한 신용등급을 받은 다른 국가보다 상당히 높은 수준까지 이르렀다"면서 "미국 행정부와 의회는 매년 증가하는 막대한 재정 적자와 이자 비용 증가 추세를 반전시킬 방안에 대해 합의에 이르지 못했다"라고 설명했다. 그러면서 "현재 검토 중인 재정안으로는 지출과 적자가 실질적으로 감소할 것으로 생각하지 않는다"며 "향후 10년 간 복지 지출이 증가하는 반면 정부 수입은 전반적으로 정체되어 재정 적자가 더 커질 것으로 예상된다. 지속적이고 큰 재정적자는 정부 부채와 이자 부담을 더욱 증가시킬 것"이라고 분석했다. 무디스는 미국의 국가신용등급을 하향하는 한편, 등급전망은 '부정적'에서 '안정적'으로 변경했다. 무디스는 "이는 Aa1 등급의 '균형 잡힌 위험'을 반영한다"라고 설명했다. /안승진기자 asj1231@metroseoul.co.kr

2025-05-17 10:57:59 안승진 기자

Hyundai Motor Establishes Middle East Strategic Base… Groundbreaking of Saudi Factory

Hyundai Motor Group Intensifies Its Push into the High-Potential Middle East Market Hyundai Motor Group is making a strong move to target the Middle East market, which is regarded as a land of endless growth potential. On the 14th (local time), Hyundai Motor held the groundbreaking ceremony for its first factory in Saudi Arabia at the site of the Hyundai Motor Saudi Manufacturing Company (HMMME) in the King Salman Automotive Industrial Park. The company announced the event on the 15th. HMMME is a joint venture in which Hyundai Motor holds a 30% stake, and the Saudi sovereign wealth fund holds 70%. The factory is set to produce a mix of electric and internal combustion engine vehicles, with an annual production capacity of 50,000 units, aiming to start operations in the fourth quarter of next year. Through this project, Hyundai plans to strengthen its mobility alliance with Saudi Arabia, which is focusing on growing its automotive industry as part of its Vision 2030, which aims for a future beyond oil. Jang Jae-hoon, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, stated, "This groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a new era for both Hyundai and Saudi Arabia. It will lay the foundation for opening a new chapter in future mobility and technological innovation." Yazed Al Humeid, Deputy Governor of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, emphasized, "HMMME will be a key milestone in the development of the Saudi automotive industry. Through continued partnership with Hyundai, we will accelerate the growth of the mobility ecosystem." Saudi Arabia is a strategic core base for Hyundai's Middle East market efforts. Last year, Hyundai sold 135,878 units in Saudi Arabia, an 8.7% increase compared to the previous year (120,029 units). In the first quarter of this year, Hyundai sold 35,000 units, marking a 25% increase over the same period last year (28,000 units). As of the first quarter, Hyundai's market share in Saudi Arabia stood at 16.1%, ranking second after Toyota (26%), with Kia in third place (8.3%). Hyundai aims to sell 140,000 units in Saudi Arabia this year. Hyundai Motor Group Heightens Expectations for Middle East Market Growth There is increasing optimism regarding Hyundai Motor's push into the growing Middle East market. Last year, Hyundai sold 227,000 units in the region, a 2% increase compared to the previous year. In the first quarter of this year, Hyundai sold 60,000 units, marking a 10.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Hyundai, in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund, plans to combine Hyundai's innovative manufacturing technologies with Saudi Arabia’s talent and infrastructure to establish the Hyundai Motor Saudi Manufacturing Company (HMMME) as a key hub to accelerate the growth and development of the Saudi mobility ecosystem. Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon stated, "We hope that HMMME will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by fostering local talent with mobility technology development capabilities." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-05-15 16:40:34 메트로신문 기자

"Beyond Smartphones, Into Automotive Electronics"… Samsung Electro-Mechanics and LG Innotek Compete in 'Differentiation' in Automotive Components

Samsung Electro-Mechanics and LG Innotek Expand into Automotive Electronics Market Samsung Electro-Mechanics and LG Innotek are shifting away from their smartphone and IT-centric business models and expanding into the automotive electronics (automotive electronics components) market to secure future growth engines. Both companies are focusing on gaining a competitive edge in the rapidly growing automotive electronics market with distinct strategies. According to market research firm Grand View Research on the 13th, the global automotive electronics market is projected to grow from approximately $262.6 billion in 2023 to $468 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 8.6%. Samsung Electro-Mechanics Expands into Automotive Electronics with MLCC and Camera Modules Samsung Electro-Mechanics is expanding its core products, multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) and camera modules, into the automotive electronics market. In particular, electric vehicles and those equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) use up to 10 times more MLCCs than regular vehicles, and the cost per unit is 2-3 times higher than for IT applications, making it a highly profitable segment. Currently, Samsung Electro-Mechanics holds a 13% share of the global automotive MLCC market, ranking third. The company is targeting $2 billion in automotive component sales this year. Recently, Samsung Electro-Mechanics began supplying automotive MLCCs to BYD, China’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer. Additionally, the company developed ultra-small, high-voltage MLCCs for use in LiDAR systems for autonomous vehicles and received the AEC-Q200 certification, a standard for automotive electronic component reliability. Samsung Electro-Mechanics is also making significant progress in transitioning its camera modules for automotive use. Last year, the company developed an all-season "weatherproof" camera module featuring water-repellent coating and lens heating technology. The modules are expected to be supplied to automakers, including Hyundai and Kia, by the end of the year. LG Innotek Focuses on Vehicle Sensing Solutions as Future Growth Engine, Expands into Advanced Modules In contrast, LG Innotek is positioning vehicle sensing solutions as its future growth engine, focusing on the development of integrated products such as LiDAR, automotive cameras, communication and lighting modules. Notably, the company plans to begin mass production of vehicle application processor (AP) modules in the second half of this year. The AP module is a core device that acts as the "brain" of various electronic systems inside vehicles. Despite its compact size of just 6.5 cm, it is a high-performance product containing more than 400 components. LG Innotek is also strengthening its patent competitiveness. Over the past five years, the company has filed more than 3,500 patents related to automotive electronics, with automotive electronics accounting for 40% of its total patents. Additionally, it holds eight international standard patents in the electric vehicle communication controller (EVCC) field. However, LG Innotek’s revenue share from automotive components is still relatively small. Last year, the automotive business generated KRW 1.94 trillion in sales, accounting for 9.2% of the total revenue, and in the first quarter of this year, sales decreased by 5% year-on-year to KRW 467.5 billion due to the slowdown in electric vehicle demand. Nevertheless, the company continues to show gradual growth, particularly in high-value products such as communications and lighting, and its order backlog has increased by 27% year-on-year to KRW 13.6 trillion, indicating ample growth potential. LG Innotek aims to achieve KRW 5 trillion in automotive sales and over KRW 2 trillion in sensing solutions by 2029. Industry experts analyze that while Samsung Electro-Mechanics has focused on securing immediate profitability, LG Innotek is prioritizing future growth. One industry insider explained, "Samsung Electro-Mechanics is expanding its existing strengths in MLCCs and camera modules into the automotive sector, generating stable revenue, while LG Innotek is investing in future technologies like sensing and integrated modules, focusing on securing long-term competitiveness." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-05-14 16:36:17 메트로신문 기자

"From Oil Discovery to Production"... SK Earthon Accelerates Vietnam 'Clustering' Strategy

SK Implements Cluster Strategy in Southeast Asia to Expand Oil Development Projects "SK is using a country-based clustering strategy in Southeast Asia, focusing on key regions. Based on the data and know-how gathered from the 15-1 oil field, where we first entered in 1998, we are expanding our oil development activities closer to Vietnam," said Choi Jeong-won, the head of SK Earthon’s Ho Chi Minh office, on the 12th. On that day, SK Innovation conducted a site tour of the PTSC M&C yard in Vietnam's Vung Tau, where its oil development subsidiary, SK Earthon, is involved. Choi’s comments reflected the company’s commitment to implementing its core-region concentration strategy in Southeast Asia, a promising market for resource development. This strategy is aimed at achieving significant results in resource development and establishing SK as a leading global energy resource development company. ◆'90-Meter-Tall' Oil Refinery Tower Above Vietnam's Seas At the construction site, welding work was in full swing. The most notable sight was the production platform being built for the Golden Camel structure at the 15-1/05 oil field, which is scheduled to be installed. The structure stands at a total height of 90 meters, with a 60-meter jacket at the bottom and a 30-meter topside. The total weight of the platform is approximately 8,000 tons. The jacket serves as the lower support for the oil production platform, while the topside includes facilities for gas treatment, drilling, and living quarters, installed at the top of the platform. The company explained that this work is part of the development phase of the Golden Camel project. After exploration and feasibility assessments, the project has entered the stage of preparing for full-scale production. The jacket is expected to be completed by July, while the topside is scheduled to be finished by August of next year. This production platform, with a total investment of 400 billion KRW, is being constructed over 2.5 years and will serve as a base for offshore oil production until 2039. SK Earthon’s resource development efforts in Vietnam are progressing steadily at each of its oil fields. In April, oil was successfully discovered at the Red Camel structure adjacent to the Golden Camel structure in the 15-1/05 oil field, and earlier in January, oil was also discovered at the Golden Sea Lion structure in the 15-2/17 oil field, marking promising developments. These fields, like the 16-2 oil field, where oil was discovered in November 2023, are located in the Vietnam Cuu Long Basin and are confirmed to contain large reserves of high-quality crude oil. As a result, rapid commercialization through coordinated development with neighboring fields is expected. ◆"SK Earthon Aims to Produce 40,000 Barrels of Crude Oil Daily in Southeast Asia Within 10 Years" There is a strong reason behind SK Earthon’s choice of Vietnam as its Southeast Asian resource development hub. Vietnam, the largest oil producer in Southeast Asia, is known to have around 4.4 billion barrels of resources, including oil and gas. The areas with the highest resource reserves include the Cuu Long Basin, the Nam Con Son Basin, and the Song Hong Basin. Vietnam is considered a key base for SK Earthon’s energy resource development in Southeast Asia, with the company holding fields for production (15-1 oil field), development (15-1/05 oil field), and exploration (16-2 oil field, 15-2/17 oil field). Notably, the 15-1 production field, which began producing oil in 2003, is SK Earthon’s core asset in Vietnam, producing an average of approximately 3,300 barrels per day (as of 2025) based on SK’s stake. This field is also the second-highest cumulative producer in Vietnam, with plans for additional infrastructure development in the second half of this year. An SK Earthon official said, “We are pushing forward with our Southeast Asia resource development business, with Vietnam at the forefront. Based on our success in Vietnam, we will succeed in resource development in Malaysia and Indonesia, which will drive SK Innovation’s performance.” The company aims to produce 40,000 barrels of crude oil daily, equivalent to Peru's oil production levels, in Southeast Asia, including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, within the next decade. SK Innovation's energy resource development in Peru began in 1996 with the acquisition of stakes in the 8th oil field, followed by expansions into the 88th and 56th fields. SK Earthon plans to continue identifying new resource development markets based on its successful experience in Peru. No Jung-yong, SK Earthon’s Southeast Asia business head, commented, "SK Earthon’s resource development in Vietnam, based on stable production from the 15-1 oil field, is expected to play a key role as a stable cash cow for the company when production from the three major fields is added, continuing SK Earthon’s success in Peru." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-05-13 15:10:30 메트로신문 기자

Hyundai Motor Group Drives to Become Global No. 2 in Sales, Targets China and Russia Markets.

Hyundai Motor Group Accelerates Push to Become Global No. 2 Automaker Hyundai Motor Group is driving its efforts to become the global No. 2 automaker. Despite the global automotive market contraction caused by the worldwide economic downturn, Hyundai and Kia have found a breakthrough with their localization strategies. Notably, they are narrowing the gap with the struggling Volkswagen Group, the current No. 2, and are rapidly catching up. According to industry sources on the 12th, Hyundai is focusing on the recovery of sales in the Chinese and Russian markets. In China, the world’s largest automotive market, Hyundai is preparing to re-enter the market with new electric vehicles. In Russia, the company is preparing to re-enter by reacquiring its factory and registering trademarks. China and Russia are key regions for Hyundai Group to expand its sales. Hyundai and Kia reached their peak in 2016, selling 1.8 million vehicles in China. However, after the 2017 THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) crisis, sales sharply dropped, and they only sold 204,573 units last year. Out of five plants in China, the Beijing Plant 1 (in 2021) and the Chongqing Plant (in 2024) were already sold, and the Changzhou Plant in Jiangsu Province, which began operations in 2016, is also in the process of being sold. In Russia, Hyundai sold about 400,000 units annually in 2021, ranking No. 1 in the market, but sales sharply declined following the Russia-Ukraine war, and Hyundai withdrew from the market. At the end of 2023, Hyundai sold its St. Petersburg plant for just 100 won. However, due to an option allowing repurchase within two years, the company is expected to make a decision on the matter by the end of the year. If Hyundai Group recovers its sales in China and Russia, surpassing Volkswagen Group’s sales is only a matter of time. Hyundai and Kia sold a total of 7.231 million vehicles globally last year, while Volkswagen Group sold 9.027 million vehicles, a gap of about 1.8 million units. Notably, looking at the global sales declines of both companies, Hyundai and Kia saw a decrease of about 1% year-on-year, while Volkswagen Group's sales dropped by 2.3%. Hyundai and Kia are intensifying their localization strategies to capture the Chinese and Russian markets. Hyundai and Beijing Hyundai Unveil Electric SUV 'Elexio' at 2025 Beijing International Motor Show Hyundai Motor and its joint venture with Beijing Automotive, Beijing Hyundai, recently unveiled the electric SUV 'Elexio' at the 2025 Beijing International Motor Show. The vehicle is a mid-size SUV electric car that was developed in-house by Beijing Hyundai to cater to the local Chinese market. Although the Elexio is based on an internal combustion engine platform, it incorporates design features, infotainment functions, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) tailored to Chinese consumer preferences. Beijing Hyundai plans to introduce a total of six electric vehicles in the Chinese market by 2027, starting with the Elexio. With discussions about the end of the Russia-Ukraine war, Hyundai and Kia are focusing on re-entering the Russian market. The Russian government has significantly raised the recycling fee (effectively a tariff) on imported vehicles, which could harm Chinese manufacturers that focus on export sales without local factories. If Hyundai re-acquires its local factory, it would be in an advantageous position. An industry insider commented, "As the North American market remains uncertain due to tariffs, the Chinese and Russian markets are critical regions for Hyundai Group to expand its global market share." Lee Seo-hyun, Senior Researcher at the Korea Automotive Technology Institute, stated, "The Russian market will rely more on a localization strategy suited to high-cost, high-regulation environments and on building trust in quality rather than short-term profits. Given the high uncertainty, only global manufacturers like Hyundai Group can devise proper re-entry strategies." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-05-12 16:37:32 메트로신문 기자

Major domestic IT service companies accelerate their efforts to target the B2G market.

B2G (Business-to-Government) Market Gaining Momentum in Korea's IT Service Industry The once-overlooked B2G (Business-to-Government) market, due to low profitability and complicated procedures, is now gaining traction in South Korea's IT service industry. This shift is attributed to the accelerated digital transformation, the effectiveness of service validation based on improved technology reliability, and the need for public sector references for global expansion. According to a report by Metro Economic News on the 11th, major IT service companies such as Samsung SDS, LG CNS, SK C&C, and CJ OliveNetworks are ramping up their efforts to target the B2G market. Samsung SDS is increasing its involvement in B2G projects in line with the government's "Digital Platform Government" policy. The digital platform government aims to address social issues and create new value by connecting all data in a digital platform, where citizens, businesses, and the government collaborate. The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety are pushing forward the adoption of generative AI and the transition to cloud-native systems as part of the digital platform government initiative. As cloud and AI technologies become crucial for nationwide services, Samsung SDS, the leading IT service company in Korea, is expanding its influence in the public sector market. Samsung SDS, a private cloud service provider at the National Information Resources Management Agency’s Daegu center, has secured a foundation for hosting key public institution information systems securely. Additionally, by preparing for business in areas requiring new technologies like generative AI, co-pilot systems, and data platforms, Samsung SDS successfully won contracts in the first quarter for the National Assembly's AI big data platform construction and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s next-generation local administrative common system (ISMP). Lee Se-geon, Samsung SDS's Executive, stated, "Through participation in public sector projects, we aim to secure successful examples of generative AI and position ourselves as a key player in the government's push for intelligent digital platforms." He added, "The government has created a framework for large corporations to participate in public projects, and the environment is shifting to favor businesses with technological capabilities. Samsung SDS will expand its business with differentiated competitiveness." LG CNS is accelerating its entry into overseas B2G markets, leveraging its experience in domestic public sector projects. Recently, LG CNS signed a contract with the New York City Economic Development Corporation for a pilot project involving the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and a control system. As part of the project, LG CNS will set up EV chargers, related facilities, a maintenance control system, and an app for charging station usage at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, an industrial complex in New York. Additionally, LG CNS has partnered with the city government of Hogansville, Georgia, to implement a smart streetlight and control system. The project aims to install smart streetlights, integrated with smart city and IoT technologies, in the downtown and park areas of Hogansville. Kim Min-seop, Team Leader at LG CNS, stated, "Building on our business references with the Korean government and public institutions, we are now working on various projects with the U.S. government and public institutions. These projects will help us strengthen our position in the U.S. public sector market." CJ OliveNetworks is expanding its B2G operations as part of its business diversification strategy. The company is pursuing smart city projects (Sejong National Pilot City, Cheonan-based smart city) and smart education projects (EdTech), while also expanding its portfolio into smart finance and smart transportation. SK C&C is also showing interest in government contracts. An SK C&C representative commented, "For public sector projects, we first check if large corporations are eligible to participate, and if the project meets our criteria, we actively engage." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-05-11 16:13:07 메트로신문 기자

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IT·과학

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