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Focusing on Targeting India, the World's Third-Largest Car Market… Intensifying Competition Among South Korea, China, Japan, and the U.S.

Global automakers are accelerating their efforts to target the electric vehicle market in India. The Indian electric vehicle market has high growth potential and is expected to be driven by a population of over 1.4 billion people, positioning it to become the largest electric vehicle market in the world. India aims to increase the share of electric vehicle sales to 30% by 2030, and is implementing various policies such as expanding charging infrastructure and providing subsidies to support this goal. According to industry sources on the 19th, major global automakers, including South Korea's Hyundai and Kia, Japan's Suzuki, China's BYD, and the U.S.'s Tesla, are focusing on the Indian market this year. The industry expects that more than 10 new electric vehicle models will be launched in the country. Hyundai Motor Group has made a large-scale investment to develop the Indian region as a strategic export hub while targeting the Indian electric vehicle market and expanding its business into emerging markets. Last year, Hyundai sold 559,984 units and Kia sold 237,479 units in the Indian passenger car market, achieving their highest-ever sales. This year, they plan to expand sales by launching locally produced electric vehicle models. Kia has started local production of its compact SUV model, the 'Siroz.' Hyundai, on the other hand, will launch the 'Creta EV,' the first electric vehicle model to be produced at its Indian factory. Hyundai Motor will showcase not only electric vehicles but also various electrified models. On the 18th, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 held at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Center in Delhi, Hyundai unveiled electric vehicle concepts for three-wheelers and micro four-wheelers. Micro-mobility, including electric motorcycles and ultra-compact electric vehicles, is widely used as a form of public transportation in regions such as India and the Asia-Pacific, utilizing eco-friendly power sources. In particular, Hyundai Motor plans to invest 40 billion rupees over the next six years, until 2028, while Kia intends to invest 20 billion rupees over the next five years, until 2027. Last year, Maruti Suzuki, which ranked first in sales in the Indian market, has announced its plan to develop India as an electric vehicle export hub. Suzuki will launch its first electric vehicle, the 'e Vitara,' in the second half of this year. The company expects to leverage the growth potential and economies of scale in the Indian market to reduce electric vehicle production costs and enhance its competitiveness. Local automakers Tata Motors and Mahindra are also set to launch new electric vehicles and are actively working to expand sales in line with Indian government policies. Global electric vehicle leader, China’s BYD, will unveil the 'Sealion 7.' This vehicle is the first SUV model in BYD’s Ocean Series and is characterized by the application of the cell-to-body technology, where the battery is directly integrated into the vehicle's body. U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla is also pushing to enter the Indian market. Although the establishment of a local factory has been postponed, it is reported that preparations are underway to set up showrooms. An industry insider stated, "India is accelerating its electrification transition, expanding electric vehicle subsidies, and aiming to increase the share of electric vehicle sales to 30% of total car sales by 2030." He added, "Global automakers are focusing on targeting the market with models that offer long driving ranges and short charging times." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-19 14:35:03 메트로신문 기자

Jeong Cheol-dong, CEO of LG Display, Unveils AI-Optimized Panel for the Era… "We Will Achieve Results This Year"

Jeong Cheol-dong, CEO of LG Display, unveiled the 4th generation organic light-emitting diode (OLED) TV panel, which maximizes the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) TVs. Additionally, CEO Jeong presented "J·U·M·P" as the key management word for this year, aiming for a leap forward. As AI TVs, which are now capable of delivering ultra-high-definition resolutions of up to 8K, continue to be released, the panels are designed to provide both high brightness and energy efficiency. Through this, LG Display plans to actively target the premium TV market this year. ◆ "Achieving Turnaround This Year Through Advancement of OLED Business" On the 16th, during the '4th Generation Large OLED New Technology Briefing' held at LG Science Park in Magok, Seoul, CEO Jeong stated, "If we laid the foundation for a reversal last year, this year will be the year of leap forward, and we will give it our all." He said, "We will continuously create differentiated value in technology, cost, and production to establish the foundation for winning in the competition," and added, "We are currently in the process of selling our LCD plant in Guangzhou, and we will focus on the OLED business to enhance our competitiveness and lead the market." Earlier, LG Display announced through a sales or profit structure change disclosure that its consolidated annual revenue for last year was 26.6153 trillion won, with an operating loss of 5.606 billion won. Revenue increased by 25% compared to the previous year (21.3308 trillion won), and the operating loss was reduced by about 2 trillion won compared to the previous year's loss of 25.102 trillion won. Building on this performance improvement, LG Display aims to enhance its business structure centered on OLED technology this year, with the goal of generating significant results. He presented "JUMP" as the key management word for this year to signify a leap forward. JUMP stands for: ▲Just in time (for true change at the right time) ▲Unique value (differentiated value unique to LG Display) ▲Market leadership (leading the market with OLED) ▲Partnership (a partner that customers trust and can grow with). These meanings are derived from the first letters of the word "JUMP." However, CEO Jeong acknowledged that the business environment this year is expected to be challenging. ◆ "AI TV Optimization" Unveiling of 4th Generation OLED Panel On this day, LG Display unveiled the 4th generation OLED TV panel optimized for the AI TV era. LG Display's 4th generation OLED TV panel achieves a maximum brightness of 4,000 nits (with 1 nit equivalent to the brightness of a single candle). This is the highest level of brightness in the industry. The higher the brightness, the more vivid the visual expression, which is why brightness is considered a key element in image quality by industry experts. The most notable aspect of the newly unveiled 4th generation OLED TV panel is the implementation of the "Primary RGB Tandem" structure. This unique technology by LG Display involves independently stacking RGB (red, green, blue) elements to emit light, a proprietary technology exclusive to LG Display. Previously, the company used a three-layer structure for the light source, stacking two layers of blue elements with red, green, and yellow elements placed in one layer. However, this time, an additional layer was added to this technology, increasing the amount of light produced. The light source now consists of four layers: two blue element layers and independently stacked red and green element layers. This enhancement has allowed LG Display to achieve a color brightness of 2,100 nits, a 40% improvement compared to the previous generation's 1,500 nits, thereby enhancing color expression. In addition, energy efficiency was maximized to accommodate the increased power consumption of AI TVs. By improving the element structure and power supply system, the panel's temperature was successfully reduced, resulting in about a 20% improvement in energy efficiency (based on a 65-inch panel) compared to previous models. LG Display also applied a special film that blocks 99% of the light reflected from the panel surface and the light absorbed into the panel and then reflected. This technology enables perfect blacks without light reflections, even in a living room during the day, providing an experience similar to watching a movie in a darkened theater. LG Display's strategy this year is to solidify its position in the premium TV market by equipping its highest-end lineup with the 4th generation OLED TV panel. The company also plans to sequentially apply the Primary RGB Tandem technology used in the 4th generation OLED TV panels to its gaming OLED panels. ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-16 16:15:44 메트로신문 기자

BYD Targets the Korean Market with the 'Value-for-Money' Small SUV Atto 3… Will It Surpass Kona Electric and EV3?

On the 16th, at the media event for the launch of the Chinese BYD passenger vehicle brand held at SangSang Platform in Jung-gu, Incheon, Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD's Sales Division for the Asia-Pacific region, introduced the brand. / Reporter Yang Seong-woon 4o mini China's top electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, BYD, is targeting the Korean electric passenger vehicle market with its "value-for-money" models. This move is expected to increase the burden on the domestic automotive industry, which is already experiencing a downturn due to the EV "chasm" (temporary stagnation in demand) and "phobia" (fear) affecting the market. BYD Korea held its brand launch event on the 16th at the SangSang Platform in Jung-gu, Incheon, where it revealed its business strategy and new car launch plans. BYD Korea plans to sell three models this year, starting with the small electric SUV, the Atto 3, priced in the low 30 million won range, followed by the electric sedan 'SEAL' and the 'Sealion 7'. Liu Xueliang, the general manager responsible for BYD sales in the Asia-Pacific region, stated, "Since 2016, BYD has built a relationship with Korean consumers through electric buses, electric trucks, and electric forklifts over the past decade." He added, "Rather than focusing immediately on sales targets, we will prioritize expanding customer brand experiences." BYD Korea's strategy is to raise product awareness in the Korean market through customer experiences and communication, rather than aggressively increasing sales volume. To achieve this, BYD Korea plans to sequentially open 15 showrooms and 11 service centers in major regions and cities across the country, from Seoul to Jeju, in collaboration with six official dealers, including DT Networks, Samchunri EV, and Harmony Automobiles. Liu Xueliang, the general manager, stated, "We will focus on customer convenience and the healthy growth of our dealer partners as we expand our network strategy." He added, "Our goal is for BYD stores to become places that all influencers must visit at least once." The Atto 3, which BYD Korea is debuting in South Korea, is a model that has sold over 1 million units worldwide, including China, since its launch in 2022. It uses BYD's LFP-based Blade battery, providing a driving range of 321 km on a single charge under combined conditions. The vehicle is equipped with convenience features such as a panoramic sunroof and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality. The performance-oriented mid-size electric sedan BYD SEAL (from left), the small electric SUV BYD Atto 3, and the mid-size electric SUV BYD Sealion 7. 4o mini To cater to the preferences and convenience of Korean customers, the Atto 3 has been equipped with Korea-specific features and services, including Tmap Mobility services and the domestic music platform FLO. The price for the basic model starts at 31.5 million won, while the higher-end model, Atto 3 Plus, is priced at 33.3 million won. With government subsidies applied, the actual consumer purchase price of the Atto 3 is expected to be in the low 20 million won range. The domestic electric vehicles that will compete with the Atto 3 are likely to be Hyundai's Kona Electric and Kia's EV3. The Kona Electric starts at 41.42 million won for the standard model and 45.66 million won for the long-range version, while the Kia EV3 starts at 39.95 million won for the standard model and 44.15 million won for the long-range version. Even with government subsidies, both vehicles will remain in the 30 million won range, which puts them at a disadvantage in terms of price competitiveness against the Atto 3. Jo In-cheol, CEO of the Passenger Vehicle Division at BYD Korea, stated, "Depending on the region, the Atto 3 will likely be available for purchase in the low 20 million won range with the subsidy applied." He added, "The exact subsidy amount will be confirmed at the time of customer delivery." While BYD sold 4.27 million eco-friendly vehicles worldwide in 2022, maintaining its position as the global leader in eco-friendly vehicle sales for three consecutive years, overcoming the negative perception of Chinese-made electric vehicles among domestic consumers remains a challenge. CEO Jo In-cheol stated, "BYD's Blade battery is the best in the world in terms of safety," and added, "Regarding user information protection, we have made efforts to ensure that personal data does not leak to China by using servers located in South Korea." Meanwhile, to celebrate its brand launch, BYD Korea will offer a 500,000 won worth of electric vehicle charging credit to the first 1,000 customers who sign a contract. Additionally, from January 19 to February 2, BYD Korea will operate a two-week public exhibition at the SangSang Platform in Incheon. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience BYD electric vehicles and consult with dealers at dedicated consultation zones. ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-16 16:05:42 메트로신문 기자

Asiana Airlines appoints Song Bo-young as the new CEO… First interim shareholders' meeting after the integration.

Asiana Airlines held its first shareholders' meeting following its merger with Korean Air and appointed new board members. With this, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines have completed preparations to take off as a new integrated airline. On the 16th, Asiana Airlines held a shareholders' meeting at its headquarters in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, to appoint inside directors. With the approval of this agenda, CEO Song Bo-young and Vice Presidents Cho Sung-bae and Kang Doo-seok were appointed as new inside directors. Outside directors appointed include Jang Min, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Financial Research Institute, Choi Jun-seon, Honorary Professor at the School of Law, Sungkyunkwan University, and Kim Hyun-jung, Lawyer at the law firm Tomorrow Partners. The newly appointed CEO, Song Bo-young, joined Korean Air in 1988 and has been recognized as an aviation expert with experience in various roles, including Head of the Passenger Business Division at the Korea Regional Headquarters, Moscow Branch Manager, and Head of the Americas Region. CEO Song is seen as the right person to lead the task of integrating "Korean Air's DNA" into Asiana Airlines, drawing on his expertise in the airline industry and passenger sales. The newly appointed Vice Presidents, Cho Sung-bae and Kang Doo-seok, both held senior positions at Korean Air, with Cho overseeing the Materials and Facilities Division and Kang serving as the Head of Human Resources. Senior Research Fellow Jang Min is a finance expert, Honorary Professor Choi Jun-seon is a prominent scholar and an opinion leader in Korean society, and Lawyer Kim Hyun-jung is a legal professional. As of the shareholders' meeting, Asiana Airlines had a total of 146,289 shareholders and 200,599,711 issued shares. Approximately 168,832,669 shares (81.96%) were voted, fulfilling the quorum required for the meeting. A total of 218 shareholders participated in person. At the shareholders' meeting, Asiana Airlines CEO Won Yoo-seok served as the chairman. It is reported that CEO Won, who has led Asiana Airlines for the past two years, will transition to an advisory role. CEO Won Yoo-seok expressed, "As the person responsible for the management during the period, I sincerely apologize for the circumstances that led the company to undergo the merger and acquisition (M&A) process." He continued, "Regarding enhancing corporate value and shareholder value, after the formation of the integrated new airline, we will manage the company in a way that can significantly improve structural value. I will also make every effort not only to enhance shareholder value but also to ensure job security and provide value for our employees." The recent executive appointments are expected to accelerate the formation of the integrated airline that will combine Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and their respective low-cost carriers (LCCs). Both Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are focusing on launching the integrated airline with a strong foundation in safety and service. In particular, they are committed to ensuring the development and strengthening of South Korea's aviation industry and enhancing its competitiveness. Meanwhile, the newly appointed CEO, Song Bo-young, did not attend the shareholders' meeting in person. However, it was reported that he began his first day at Asiana Airlines at 7:05 AM on the same day. ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-16 14:42:59 메트로신문 기자

Palisade Surpasses First-Generation Success… The Second-Generation with Hybrid and 9-Passenger Models Sparks a 'Storm'

Hyundai Motor has unveiled the second-generation new Palisade after six years. On the 15th, Hyundai Motor launched the premium flagship large SUV, the "All-New Palisade." This new model is the first to feature a hybrid (HEV) system and introduces a 9-passenger version, aiming to appeal to a broader range of consumers beyond the traditional family car segment. The Palisade is a completely redesigned second-generation model after six years. It features: ▲A grand and bold exterior design with a distinctive character, ▲Spacious interior that prioritizes passenger comfort, utilizing the advantages of its over 5-meter length, ▲7-passenger and 9-passenger configurations based on the third-row space, ▲The first-ever application of the next-generation hybrid system, ▲Advanced safety and convenience features to provide an optimal driving experience, offering the luxury expected from a flagship large SUV. The Palisade has been causing a "storm" in the domestic automotive market even before its launch. Pre-orders, which began last month, surpassed 33,000 units on the first day and have now exceeded 45,000 units, proving its popularity in the domestic large SUV market. This performance far exceeds the first-day record of 3,468 units set by the first-generation Palisade in 2018, as well as the 20,506 units achieved in the two-week pre-order period. This shows that consumers have once again validated the product excellence of the first-generation Palisade. The Palisade is powered by two powertrains: a 2.5 turbo gasoline engine and a 2.5 turbo hybrid engine. The 2.5 turbo gasoline engine delivers a maximum output of 281 horsepower, a peak torque of 43.0 kgf·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 9.7 km/L. The 2.5 turbo hybrid, on the other hand, boasts a system maximum output of 334 horsepower and offers a driving range of over 1,000 km on a single tank of fuel. Compared to the previous model, the new Palisade offers an extended overall length of 65 mm and a height increase of 15 mm, providing more generous headroom and legroom for a more comfortable interior space. The second-row seats feature a forward-tilting walk-in function, while the third-row seats are sliding, maximizing both ease of entry and exit for third-row passengers and enhancing the versatility of the cabin space. Hyundai Motor has set a higher sales target for the Palisade this year, aiming for more than the first-generation sales volume of 52,299 units, thanks to performance improvements in the new model. Lee Chul-min, Head of Domestic Marketing at Hyundai Motor, stated, "We have set our domestic sales target at 58,000 units and, considering the pre-orders, we are confident that it is achievable." He added, "Although the 7-passenger model has received more contracts, with 4 out of every 10 vehicles being the 9-passenger model, the strong demand for the 9-passenger version is having a positive impact on the overall success of the new Palisade." Hyundai Motor will prioritize the launch of the 2.5 turbo gasoline model starting today, and for the hybrid model, it plans to begin deliveries in the second quarter after completing certification procedures. ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-15 16:44:33 메트로신문 기자

With the growth potential of the Indian shipbuilding industry, K-Shipbuilding is poised to seize order opportunities.

The domestic shipbuilding industry is focusing on strengthening its market position by capitalizing on India's large domestic market and the growth potential of the shipbuilding sector. As India plans to place large-scale ship orders and foster its shipbuilding industry, South Korean shipbuilders are carefully monitoring market trends with an eye on potential partnership opportunities. According to industry sources on the 15th, the size of the Indian shipbuilding industry is expected to grow from $90 million in 2022 to $8.12 billion by 2033. In particular, Clarkson Research, a British shipbuilding and shipping market analysis firm, reported that India plans to place orders for more than 1,000 new ships. Currently, India has a fleet of approximately 1,500 vessels and plans to expand it to 2,500 ships in the future. However, there are currently only 28 shipyards in India, so expanding construction capacity is essential to secure 1,000 new vessels. Additionally, while India relies on shipping for about 95% of its total trade volume, its domestic shipbuilding industry remains vulnerable. As a result, it is reported that India spends approximately 110 trillion won annually on renting foreign vessels. To reduce these costs, there is an analysis suggesting that India needs to be able to build large container ships, very large crude carriers, and car carriers domestically. The Indian government is also making concerted efforts to foster its shipbuilding industry. The government has outlined a roadmap to raise India's shipbuilding capacity, which currently holds less than a 1% share of the global shipbuilding market, to become one of the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047. In particular, it has been reported that Indian government officials have visited the facilities of South Korea's three major shipbuilders (HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean) and are placing significant emphasis on the potential for technological cooperation. Indian government officials visited the Hanwha Ocean Geoje facility, Samsung Heavy Industries Geoje Shipyard, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan Shipyard at the end of last year. During these visits, they received briefings on shipbuilding capabilities, shipyard operation systems, and eco-friendly ship technologies, leading industry experts to believe that India is considering South Korea as a potential partner. Following the visit of Indian government officials to South Korean shipbuilders, it has also been confirmed that officials from Hanwha Ocean visited local shipyards in India. This has drawn attention to the growing possibility of cooperation between the two countries in the shipbuilding sector. On the 14th, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in India posted on the social media platform X, stating that a delegation from Hanwha Ocean visited their shipyard on the 13th. The visit was described as an assessment of potential cooperation for shipbuilding. HSL is located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, in eastern India. As a result, industry experts believe that the two countries are in discussions to explore opportunities for business collaboration in the shipbuilding sector. Some experts argue that the long-standing border disputes between India and China could play a positive role in strengthening cooperation between South Korea and India. Given India's anti-China sentiment, building advanced shipbuilding capabilities through technological cooperation with South Korean shipyards, rather than China, is seen as a crucial strategy for India. An industry insider stated, "Indian government officials visited South Korean shipbuilding facilities with the intention of increasing the number of vessels in operation, seeking support and cooperation." They added, "Domestic shipbuilders are also actively exploring cooperation strategies, considering the large scale of the Indian market." The insider continued, "However, since India is not a country with a developed shipbuilding industry, utilizing its abundant labor force to grow the industry will be a key challenge." They added, "While the potential of the Indian market is clear, it is still too early to expect short-term results. Therefore, ongoing discussions and the exploration of long-term cooperation strategies are necessary." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-15 16:17:12 메트로신문 기자

'16 New Models' Audi Korea, Expanding Premium Offerings and Network… "We Will Continue to Grow with New Strategies"

"If last year was about strengthening our foundation, 2025 will be focused on driving growth based on new strategies through enhanced networks and collaboration with dealer partners." Steve Klotz, President of Audi Korea, held a "New Year Media Roundtable" at the Yeongbin Hall of the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on the 13th, where he unveiled the company's strategy for the year. The key strategies for this year include delivering premium value, actively responding to changing customer demands, and adapting to changes in the automotive environment. Audi Korea plans to expand its customers' options by launching a total of 16 new models this year, including the electric vehicle 'The New Audi Q6 e-tron,' the A6 e-tron, and internal combustion engine models like 'The New Audi A5' and 'The New Audi Q5.' This will be the largest number of new car launches ever in global markets, including South Korea. President Klotz stated, "This year, Audi Korea will focus on expanding its network strategy, with the goal of a new leap for the Audi brand, based on a strong partnership with our dealer partners. We will work to ensure that customers can continue to experience the premium brand in a more convenient and accessible way." The model Audi Korea is focusing on this year is the Q6 e-tron, which is the first production model to apply the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) technology jointly developed by Audi and Porsche. It received the highest rating in the Euro NCAP test, the European new car safety evaluation. The Q6 e-tron is equipped with a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery, allowing for a maximum driving range of up to 641 km on a single charge according to the WLTP standard. The vehicle will be delivered to customers starting with an official launch event next month. President Klotz stated, "Despite the challenges in the electric vehicle market last year, the Q4 e-tron has solidified its position as a leader in the premium electric vehicle segment in the Korean market." He added, "We will continue to align with changing customer demands and environmental changes, striving to contribute to the development of sustainable mobility with innovative technologies and products." He further emphasized, "We must strengthen our partnership with dealers and pursue sustainable growth as one Audi team." The New Audi A5 and The New Audi Q5 will be launched as internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid models. These models are equipped with the newly developed "PPC" (Premium Platform Combustion) platform. The New Audi A5 is a coupe-style sedan that combines the strengths of Audi's representative mid-sized sedans, the A4 and A5. The New Audi Q5, on the other hand, is a completely redesigned version of Audi's signature SUV, the Q5, and features next-generation high-efficiency engines that significantly enhance its output. In particular, Audi Korea plans to expand customer touchpoints by transforming its showrooms into flagship store concepts in the form of city mall showrooms starting this year. As a result, the number of showrooms will increase from the existing 33 to 35, and the number of service centers will also be expanded from 32 to 37. President Klotz stated, "We plan to establish a network where customers can access a service center within 30 minutes in areas with a high concentration of customers, such as Seoul and Gyeonggi." He added, "For routine maintenance and regular inspections, we will operate service stations in a non-face-to-face format, ensuring that customers can receive service 24/7 year-round." Meanwhile, Audi Korea sold only 9,304 units in 2023, a sharp decline of 47.9% compared to the previous year, due to the prolonged global economic downturn and high interest rates. ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-15 15:33:27 메트로신문 기자

U.S. 'TikTok Ban Law' Sparks Mass Migration of TikTok Refugees… Meta Left Surprised

As the deadline for the potential ban of TikTok in the U.S. approaches, TikTok "refugees" are on the move in search of alternatives. Contrary to expectations that many would migrate to Instagram, owned by Meta, they are instead flocking to apps originating from China, surprising industry insiders. On the 19th, ByteDance and TikTok will reach the 360-day deadline set by the U.S. Congress for the sale of TikTok. In April of last year, the U.S. Congress claimed that TikTok's installed backdoor (malicious code that allows unauthorized access to systems) was illegally collecting personal information of U.S. citizens and transmitting it to the Chinese government, thereby acting as a "spy balloon." As a result, the U.S. Congress has forced TikTok to sell its ownership to an American company in order to continue its operations in the U.S. TikTok and the Chinese government have opposed this, arguing that it is an attempt to counter China and seize valuable companies. Bloomberg reported on the 13th (local time) that Chinese authorities are enforcing TikTok to comply with the U.S. ban law by selling its U.S. business rights. Additionally, as part of discussions on potential cooperation with the next U.S. administration, they are considering transferring TikTok's U.S. operations to Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla. ByteDance has not provided any separate comment on the report. In April, ByteDance filed a motion for a temporary injunction against the enforcement of the TikTok ban law with the U.S. Supreme Court, which is currently pending. The estimated valuation of its parent company, ByteDance, is $268 billion, with TikTok's business valued at around $30 to $50 billion. Amid the political power struggle surrounding TikTok, users of the platform began a large-scale migration to other platforms. President-elect Donald Trump had previously expressed a favorable stance on the matter, stating regarding the sale of TikTok, "No one knows what will happen with TikTok (in the Supreme Court)," and added, "I will make a decision after taking office." Nevertheless, TikTok users are proactively trying to establish a presence on multiple platforms, fearing that access to TikTok in the U.S. may become difficult, and they may lose access to accumulated data and content. TikTok users have particularly focused on the apps "Rednote" from XiaoHongShu (Little Red Book) and ByteDance's app "Lemon8." Rednote, the international version of China's Instagram-like platform XiaoHongShu, ranked first in the Apple App Store downloads as of the afternoon of the 13th, and 8th in the social media category of the Google Play Store. "Lemon8" was the second most downloaded app on the U.S. App Store. U.S. users are migrating to XiaoHongShu instead of Rednote. On the 13th, TikTok refugees posted thousands of posts on XiaoHongShu announcing their sign-up, using the hashtag "#tiktokrefugee." Instagram, which was expected to benefit the most from the TikTok ban law, has seen somewhat stagnation. Unlike XiaoHongShu and Lemon8, which share subculture and content similar to TikTok, Instagram has not been able to meet the expectations of U.S. TikTok users, as its culture differs somewhat from that of the major TikTok users in the U.S. An industry insider in marketing commented, "TikTok users tend to share a subculture rather than the fashion and shopping culture shared by Instagram Reels users," and added, "I expected them to move to YouTube Shorts, but I'm very surprised that they migrated to Chinese apps instead." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-15 15:33:00 메트로신문 기자

"Envisioning Future Daily Life" – CES 2025 Concludes, with Key Highlights Including 'AI Home' and the Emergence of 'Humanoid Robots'

The world's largest consumer electronics and IT exhibition, 'CES 2025,' concluded successfully with around 140,000 attendees. This year, instead of focusing on hardware, AI home technologies integrated into daily life became the central theme, with humanoid robots emerging as a new focal point, showcasing more realistic artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. According to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organizer of CES, more than 141,000 people attended CES 2025, held in Las Vegas from January 7 to 10. This marks an increase of about 5% compared to last year's attendance of 135,000. The United States had the largest representation with over 1,500 participants, followed by China with around 1,300 and South Korea with 1,000. For the first time, South Korea had more than 1,000 companies, including major corporations like Samsung, Hyundai, SK, LG, as well as startups, participating in the event. ◆ 'Humanoid Robots' Emerging as a New Growth Business At this year's CES, AI has firmly established itself as an essential element in daily life, spanning across home appliances, mobility, healthcare, and more. In particular, AI-powered 'robots' were introduced as a key new business poised to dominate the market. Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, highlighted AI robots as a growing industry during his keynote speech, with South Korean companies also announcing their participation one after another. At this event, South Korea's two major electronics companies, Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, officially announced the release of robot assistants under the theme of hyper-personalization, marking the beginning of humanoid robots. Samsung Electronics surprised attendees by announcing plans to launch its AI assistant robot, "Bolli," in the first half of the year. It is expected to be released in South Korea and the United States around May or June, although the price has not yet been set. Bolli will control Internet of Things (IoT) devices, monitor children and pets, and perform tasks such as acting as a home training mate or serving as an auxiliary screen for remote work, essentially taking on the role of a household assistant. Recently, Samsung Electronics acquired a majority stake in Rainbow Robotics and established the Future Robotics Promotion Team under the leadership of Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee. Rainbow Robotics, founded in 2011 by the KAIST HUBO Lab research team, developed South Korea's first bipedal robot, "HUBO." Samsung Electronics plans to accelerate the development of intelligent advanced humanoid robots by integrating its AI and software technologies with Rainbow Robotics' robotic expertise. LG Electronics also unveiled plans for its humanoid business, with the goal of achieving "liberation from household chores." LG Electronics plans to release its mobile AI home hub product, "Q9," and a software development kit (SDK) to developers in February or March. Additionally, the company is preparing technologies, including humanoid robots, as part of its ongoing research and development (R&D) efforts and is also investing in the robotics business. Last March, LG made a $60 million (approximately 80 billion won) investment in the AI-based autonomous service robot startup Bear Robotics, acquiring a stake in the company. ◆ Advanced AI Home Appliances to Future Mobility Unveiled Both companies unveiled increasingly advanced AI-powered home appliances, showcasing a hyper-personalized smart home experience. Samsung Electronics presented a "Home AI" based on SmartThings, with the theme of "AI for All," offering a personalized home for families. The exhibition featured appliances such as the "Bespoke AI Family Hub," which automatically recognizes ingredients inside the refrigerator and creates a food list, and the "Bespoke AI Steam," which takes care of floor cleaning according to the user's return time. The AI voice assistant "Bixby" integrated into Samsung's home appliances has also been upgraded. It now enables natural and continuous conversations, allowing users to control multiple devices with a single command. Bixby can recognize the voices of family members and provide personalized schedules. It can also identify ingredients nearing their expiration date in the refrigerator and suggest recipes based on available food. Samsung Electronics prioritized security in implementing Home AI. Samsung Knox Matrix, a blockchain-based security technology, allows connected devices to mutually check their security status. If external threats are detected, the affected device's connection is severed, and the system notifies the user, enabling immediate action to be taken. LG Electronics showcased a personalized experience through "empathy intelligence" in various environments such as homes, offices, vehicles, and hobby spaces. In LG Electronics' AI Home Zone, the "LG ThinQ ON" equipped with generative AI and on-device AI-based hub products were showcased. These products use sensors installed throughout the home to detect customers' behaviors and surrounding environments in real-time, optimally controlling IoT devices. For instance, the system can analyze the user's heart rate and breathing patterns to suggest warm water instead of cold, or automatically adjust the home's temperature and humidity. Additionally, LG Electronics showcased an impressive large-scale media art installation using the 77-inch wireless and transparent OLED TV, "LG Signature OLED T." This technology combines wireless transmission and transparent display to maximize space utilization, offering an innovative entertainment experience. In the mobility sector, innovative technologies integrating autonomous driving and electric power stood out. LG Electronics introduced the concept of a "mobile customized space" in the mobility sector. In the Vision AI-based In-Cabin Sensing solution experience zone, attendees could directly experience technology that detects the driver's and the vehicle's internal condition, helping to prevent traffic accidents. This solution analyzes the driver's gaze, facial expressions, and heart rate in real-time to support safety features such as drowsiness detection and seatbelt use detection. ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-14 16:36:58 메트로신문 기자

The wire and cable industry is experiencing a surge in orders due to increased investments in power grids, strengthening its presence in the U.S. and Europe.

The wire and cable industry, which achieved consecutive order wins last year, is expected to continue its strong performance this year. LS Cable & System, Daehan Electric Wire, and others plan to strengthen their presence in advanced markets such as the U.S. and Europe, based on the growing demand driven by electrification. Notably, the increase in demand for subsea cables due to the transition to renewable energy is also highlighted as a key factor contributing to their strong performance. According to industry sources on the 14th, global subsea cable demand is expected to increase from 6.4 trillion won in 2022 to 29.5 trillion won by 2029. This is attributed to the steady rise in global investments in new power infrastructure. According to LS Cable & System's analysis of the U.S. subsea cable supply status, local demand for subsea cables is expected to reach 1,160 km by 2030, while the supply is predicted to fall short at less than 750 km. As a result, the industry is optimistic that it can capitalize on the opportunity in the U.S., where demand is high but the local supply chain is lacking. Moreover, the willingness of President-elect Donald Trump to strengthen domestic manufacturing and the AI industry is also seen as a positive factor for the wire and cable industry. The expansion of AI is expected to lead to increased power consumption in data centers, which, in turn, is anticipated to drive the demand for power grid infrastructure. In October 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it would invest an additional $2 billion (approximately 2.6 trillion won) into 38 projects across 42 states to protect the power grid from increasing weather-related threats and expand transmission capabilities. Additionally, the DOE revealed plans for a new $1.5 billion (approximately 2.23 trillion won) investment in transmission and distribution networks. As a result, the wire and cable industry is steadily building up performance by securing large-scale projects. LS Cable & System's order backlog reached 5.7073 trillion won as of the third quarter, marking an approximately 31% increase compared to the same period last year. In December 2024, the company signed a contract for subsea cables worth 4.4 trillion won in the U.S. and also secured a contract for an offshore wind farm project worth approximately 9.037 trillion won, which was tendered by the Dutch utility company TenneT. Daehan Electric Wire is also increasing its order intake. As of the third quarter, Daehan Electric Wire's order backlog reached 2.3258 trillion won, marking a 43% increase compared to the same period last year. On the 10th, Daehan Electric Wire announced that it would supply a 400 kV (kilovolt) power grid for an aging power grid replacement project in Eastern England, led by global infrastructure group Valpore BT. The contract is worth approximately 1 trillion won. With European countries, including the UK, expanding investments in power infrastructure to meet carbon neutrality goals, Daehan Electric Wire aims to secure continuous business opportunities. Some are expressing concerns that the supply of raw materials may struggle to keep up with demand. However, industry sources have stated that they are taking stable measures to secure raw materials, and therefore, there is no need to worry about a shortage of materials. An industry insider stated, "With the expansion of renewable energy generation, electricity demand is increasing, and the industry is optimistic about the outlook for the fourth quarter." They added, "Raw materials such as copper have already been secured for several months in advance, so even with a surge in demand, there is no expected difficulty in securing raw material supplies." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-14 15:58:20 메트로신문 기자

U.S. Department of Commerce's Export Controls on AI Chips for Adversarial Countries… Controversy Over 'Excessive Regulation' and 'China's Technological Self-Sufficiency'

The United States has confirmed and announced plans to expand export restrictions on AI semiconductors, which are essential for the development and operation of artificial intelligence (AI), to the global market. While full access to AI semiconductors will be allowed for allied nations, major adversaries will face restrictions in an effort to hinder their technological development. According to industry sources and foreign media on the 14th, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced on the 13th (local time) that it has strengthened export controls on AI semiconductors and revised the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to block circumvention of exports. A 120-day public comment period has begun. The regulation is expected to be fully implemented during the second term of the Trump administration. The EAR divides countries worldwide into three categories based on their access to advanced AI semiconductors. South Korea is classified as a Category 1 country, which includes 18 nations that are not subject to these regulations, so it is not expected to be significantly affected. Category 2 countries, which number around 120, can purchase AI semiconductors based on national quotas. Category 3 countries, including Russia, China, and North Korea, totaling 22 countries, must obtain approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce. These countries, which are under weapons embargoes, are subject to a presumption of denial when applying for licenses. The U.S. government's implementation of the EAR measures is analyzed as a reflection of its independent national security perspective. By preventing adversarial nations, such as Russia and China, from accessing advanced AI semiconductor chips and models, the U.S. aims to block them from securing technological competitiveness. South Korea, as a Category 1 country, is largely exempt from most of the regulations and is not expected to be significantly affected. However, even South Korean companies could be subject to regulations if their headquarters are located in a Category 3 country. Although the expected impact on South Korean companies is minimal, they are closely monitoring the situation. Companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which operate semiconductor production facilities in China, are not immediately affected because their headquarters are in South Korea. However, since the EAR not only controls the export and import of AI semiconductors but also imposes restrictions on data center construction regardless of the category, and includes advanced AI models in the export controls, there is a possibility that they may still be impacted. Countries like South Korea, which are classified as Category 1, are exempt from these export controls, but Category 2 countries are subject to them. Furthermore, with China being designated as a Category 3 country, there is concern that South Korea's potential market in China could face long-term impacts. Industry experts explain that this could result in a loss of some market demand, while also accelerating China's technological self-sufficiency. An industry insider stated, "In the medium to long term, the country that will seek to secure the most AI semiconductors is inevitably China," adding, "There are concerns that by cornering China, we may actually accelerate its semiconductor development." Experts predict that China is likely to grow quickly enough this year to release HBM3. Global IT companies are also strongly opposing this measure, arguing that it is excessive for a single government to be so heavily involved in export and import controls. NVIDIA immediately responded with opposition, and Ned Finkel, the company's Vice President of Public Affairs, issued a statement. NVIDIA pointed out that "this measure risks wasting the technological advantages the U.S. has gained with difficulty by manipulating market outcomes and suppressing competition." They also criticized, saying, "The U.S. wins by fostering innovation and competition, and by sharing technology with the world, not by retreating behind the wall of excessive government intervention." Ken Glynn, Vice President of Oracle, criticized the move on his blog, stating that it would be "the most destructive regulation ever recorded for the U.S. tech industry." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-14 15:47:13 메트로신문 기자

Big Tech Companies Abandon DEI Policies Ahead of Trump's Inauguration... Beginning of Efforts to Align with the 'Trump Code'

Ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, global big tech companies have started "waiting and watching" in response to the political changes. They are focusing on improving their relationship with the Trump administration by either abolishing or scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. ◆ Movement to Abolish DEI Policies... Adapting to Political Changes According to Reuters on the 12th (local time), Meta, the world's largest social media platform, recently announced in an internal memo that it would end its DEI policies, which had been implemented in areas such as employment, training, and vendor selection. Jernel Gale, Meta's Vice President of Human Resources, stated in the memo, "The legal and policy environment surrounding DEI is changing in the United States," and explained, "While we will continue to seek employees from diverse backgrounds, we will abolish the previous approach of selecting candidates based on diversity criteria." The largest e-commerce platform in the U.S., Amazon, also announced in an employee memo last month that it plans to scale back its diversity-related programs by the end of 2024. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies were introduced by U.S. companies following the 2020 George Floyd incident, which spurred the anti-racism movement. These policies are aimed at hiring talent regardless of race, gender, or religion, with the goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce. However, after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in 2023 that abolished affirmative action in college admissions, conservatives have increased pressure, arguing that DEI policies lead to "reverse discrimination." President-elect Trump has also clearly expressed his opposition to DEI policies. In contrast, Apple has maintained its stance to uphold DEI policies. Ahead of its annual shareholder meeting, the company rejected proposals from some shareholders to end DEI programs, emphasizing the importance of diversity. ◆ Attending Inaugurations and Making Donations... Aligning with the 'Trump Code' In addition to abolishing DEI policies, big tech companies are also taking various steps to align with the policy direction of President-elect Trump. In particular, Meta abolished its "third-party fact-checking" program on January 7 (local time), which was used to identify fake news and verify facts. This move is seen as a response to the requests from President-elect Trump's camp, which opposes social media content censorship. Meta also strengthened its ties with President-elect Trump by hiring Dana White, the CEO of UFC and a close ally of Trump, as a director, and promoting Republican figure Joel Kaplan to the position of global policy head. Additionally, major big tech leaders, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, are set to attend President-elect Trump's inauguration on January 20. These individuals have each donated $1 million to Trump's inauguration committee. Earlier this month, Amazon joined the effort to align with political codes by announcing the production of a documentary film centered around Melania Trump, the wife of President-elect Trump. Industry insiders analyze these actions as a proactive response to the potential for big tech regulation under the Trump administration. It is interpreted as an active effort to align with the political direction ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as President. ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-13 16:36:01 메트로신문 기자

Battery Material Industry Faces Growing Uncertainty, Actively Working on Countermeasures

The prevailing opinion is that the price of lithium, a key raw material for electric vehicle batteries, is unlikely to rise significantly this year. With the decline in raw material prices, there are increasing expectations that the outlook for battery material companies will also remain bleak. In response, battery material companies are focusing on strengthening their superior technology and stable supply capabilities to overcome the decline in profitability caused by falling mineral prices. According to Korea Resources Information Service (KOMIS) on the 13th, the price of lithium was 72 yuan per kilogram as of the 9th. Lithium prices began to decline in the fourth quarter of 2022 due to a slowdown in global electric vehicle demand. The price had risen to 581.5 yuan per kilogram in November 2022, but it has been falling due to supply oversupply from China and the electric vehicle demand stagnation period, known as the "electric vehicle chasm." There is growing concern that the inauguration of Donald Trump's second administration could put pressure on lithium prices. Since President-elect Trump is not particularly favorable toward electric vehicles, there are speculations that the recovery of the electric vehicle industry during his term may not be clear, which could impact the demand for lithium. As a result, securities analysts are predicting that domestic battery material companies such as EcoPro BM, L&F, and POSCO Future M will report poor results in the fourth quarter. The main cause is identified as the "lagging effect" due to falling raw material prices. The lagging effect refers to the situation where products made with expensive raw materials are sold at relatively lower prices. According to earnings estimates from financial information provider F&Guide, EcoPro BM is expected to record annual sales of 2.8692 trillion KRW and an operating loss of 38.9 billion KRW for the previous year. After posting a total of 10.6 billion KRW in profits in the first and second quarters of last year, EcoPro BM incurred an operating loss of 41.2 billion KRW in the third quarter. It is expected that the company will see a smaller loss in the fourth quarter, and an annual loss is anticipated to continue. L&F recorded a cumulative operating loss of 360.4 billion KRW for the first to third quarters, surpassing its expected annual operating loss of 220.1 billion KRW for 2023. The company is forecasted to incur an operating loss of 94.2 billion KRW in the fourth quarter. There is widespread consensus that POSCO Future M will also face losses. The company is expected to record an operating loss of 4 billion KRW in the fourth quarter. Battery material companies are actively seeking cost reduction measures, as price reductions in electric vehicles are considered a crucial factor for boosting sales volume. The strategy to secure operating profit margins ultimately points to the need for cost reduction through the diversification of raw material supply chains. Additionally, the industry plans to focus on reducing equipment investment and securing financial strength. This is seen as an effort to maintain stable management in an uncertain market environment. EcoPro aims to stabilize mineral prices by establishing an integrated production joint venture in Indonesia, a resource-rich country, in collaboration with China's GEM. The venture will cover the processes of refining, precursor production, and cathode materials. EcoPro BM is reportedly reducing its equipment investment scale from 15 trillion KRW to around 10 trillion KRW and postponing the completion schedule for its cathode material factory. POSCO Future M plans to focus on improving its financial structure by halting investments in joint ventures and selling some of its assets. Additionally, the industry sees resolving the uncertainty surrounding North American market policies as a key factor for long-term growth. The degree of recovery in EV demand and the potential for gradual recovery in raw material prices are considered prerequisites for long-term growth. An industry insider stated, "Battery material companies are undergoing restructuring through the withdrawal from lithium businesses and reduction of staff, but lithium prices are still on a downward trend." They added, "It is expected that battery material companies will generally record losses in the fourth quarter as well." He continued, "Nonetheless, there will be certain points within the electric vehicle battery value chain where downward rigidity exists." He added, "The potential of the electric vehicle market remains large, and once the current chasm is overcome, the market will grow and enter a maturation phase." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-13 16:18:03 메트로신문 기자

LG Innotek's Moon Hyuk-soo: "AI Semiconductor Substrates in Mass Production for U.S. Big Tech, Targeting Trillion-Won Revenue"

Moon Hyuk-soo, CEO of LG Innotek, announced that the company plans to cultivate the next-generation high-value semiconductor substrate business on a scale of trillions of KRW. He also expressed the intention to accelerate the discovery of new businesses such as mobility and robotics, based on the core technologies accumulated in the mobile sector. CEO Moon said during an interview with reporters at CES 2025, the world's largest IT and electronics exhibition, held at the LVCC in Las Vegas on January 8 (local time), "In December last year, we began mass production of FC-BGA for North American big tech companies at our Gumi 4 plant in Gyeongsangbuk-do." This is seen as a significant achievement, marking two years since the company announced its entry into the FC-BGA business in 2022. FC-BGA (Flip-Chip Ball Grid Array) is a next-generation substrate that allows AI semiconductor chips to be densely connected to the mainboard without wires. As the functionality of semiconductors increases, the substrates also grow larger, and FC-BGA is gaining attention as it can further enhance integration density, making it a promising new technology. According to Fujifilm Research Institute, the global FC-BGA market size is expected to grow more than twice, from $8 billion (11.69 trillion KRW) in 2022 to $16.4 billion (23.97 trillion KRW) by 2030. CEO Moon also mentioned, "We are actively pursuing development collaborations with several global big tech companies, in addition to North American big tech firms." He added that the company plans to actively explore external collaboration options, such as equity investments or mergers and acquisitions (M&A), to accelerate market penetration for the FC-BGA business. At CES 2025, LG Innotek plans to foster the semiconductor component market as a key player by leading with FC-BGA, alongside the automotive AP module that was unveiled for the first time. The company aims to develop this business into a trillion-won scale. LG Innotek announced through its corporate value enhancement (value-up) plan disclosed in November last year that it aims to grow the revenue from its new businesses to over 8 trillion KRW by 2030. CEO Moon also mentioned the "glass substrate," which is advantageous for implementing fine circuits, stating, "We are now making investments in equipment," and added, "Starting at the end of this year, we will begin full-scale pilot production (prototype mass production) of glass substrates." Glass substrates can replace the plastic-based core (center) with glass, which helps minimize circuit distortion. CEO Moon stated, "(Glass substrates) are the direction we must go in, and many companies are currently weighing the timing for mass production." He added, "LG Innotek is also preparing to ensure we are not late to the game." LG Innotek is applying its core technologies, such as camera modules, sensing, control, and substrates, which it has developed in the mobile sector, to various industries including mobility and robotics. CEO Moon emphasized that, particularly in the rapidly growing humanoid sector in the era of generative AI, "LG Innotek is actively collaborating with leading companies in the humanoid field, leveraging its global leadership in camera technology." Regarding Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, appearing on stage with 14 humanoid robots at the keynote speech ahead of the CES opening on January 6, CEO Moon stated, "We are collaborating with more than half of the companies that had humanoids on stage at that time." CEO Moon also emphasized the importance of strategically managing global production sites and factory automation in the face of growing uncertainties surrounding U.S. trade policies and geopolitical tensions. He stated, "The key task right now is to make our Mexico factory competitive in order to target the U.S. market," and added, "Although it requires significant investment, we will quickly expand factory automation in the process to secure cost competitiveness." Regarding the competition from the Chinese camera module industry, he stated, "We will diversify production by using our Vietnam plant as a core base for manufacturing legacy camera module products for smartphones, while the domestic plant will focus on R&D, high-value-added camera modules, and optical components for new applications as a mother factory." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-12 16:51:42 메트로 기자

Refining Industry Sees Signs of Improvement in the Fourth Quarter After Overcoming 'Worst Quarter'... Refining Margins Recovering

The four major domestic refiners (SK Innovation, GS Caltex, S-Oil, and HD Hyundai Oilbank) have struggled with operational losses in the third quarter due to decreased product demand caused by the global economic slowdown. The combined operating loss for the four companies in the third quarter exceeded approximately 14 trillion KRW. However, with a rebound in refining margins in the fourth quarter, there are expectations for improved performance. According to industry sources on the 12th, the refining margin in Singapore for the last week of last year averaged $4.1 per barrel, reaching the breakeven point. This has led to the assessment that the worst period has passed. While the refining margin in the third quarter averaged $3.5 per barrel, falling short of the breakeven level of $4-$5 per barrel, there are signs of improvement moving forward. Additionally, the adjustment of refining facility utilization rates is seen as contributing to the recovery in refining margins. Furthermore, there are expectations in the industry that the supply-demand situation will improve somewhat, as the net increase in refining capacity this year is expected to be lower compared to last year, while the amount of closed capacity is expected to rise. International oil prices also showed stability in the fourth quarter with smaller fluctuations. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell below $70 in September, but as of the 10th, it had risen to $76.57. Dubai crude prices slightly decreased in December compared to September, but it is anticipated that the sharp rise in the won-dollar exchange rate during this period will lead to a positive inventory effect. There are also opinions suggesting that with the recovery of inventory valuation gains and the improvement in diesel and kerosene margins, spot refining margins will improve. The securities industry is also providing a positive outlook on the recovery of profitability for the four major refiners. S-Oil's fourth-quarter operating profit is expected to be approximately 178.9 billion KRW, a turnaround from the previous quarter's operating loss of 414.9 billion KRW. SK Innovation is forecasted to shift from a 3rd-quarter loss of 484.1 billion KRW to a small operating profit of 29.1 billion KRW in the fourth quarter. The sharp rise in the won-dollar exchange rate has had a short-term positive effect on inventory. While a rise in the exchange rate is typically a negative factor for the refining industry, which imports all of its crude oil, it has had a positive impact on the valuation of previously purchased crude oil inventories. However, from a long-term perspective, the sharp rise in the exchange rate is expected to be a burden on the industry. Due to the nature of payments being made in U.S. dollars, the industry is inevitably at a disadvantage as the exchange rate increases. The domestic refining industry imports more than 1 billion barrels of crude oil annually, and it is estimated that for every 10 won increase in the won-dollar exchange rate, the annual foreign exchange loss would increase by 100 billion KRW. The dominant view is that the recovery of global economic recession, which is the fundamental cause of declining oil demand, will be key to restoring profitability. While the improvement in fourth-quarter performance is seen as a short-term factor, analysts believe it is difficult to remain optimistic about the outlook for this year. The refining industry is focusing on accelerating new business ventures as a long-term strategy to overcome the recession. They plan to expand their non-refining business portfolio by focusing on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), bio-based marine fuel, and immersion cooling, aiming to find new growth opportunities. An industry insider stated, "While there is a possibility of improved performance in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter, there are many factors that could act as variables in the long term, such as the inauguration of Trump's second administration and global economic uncertainties." They added, "We will closely monitor the market situation and prepare for potential fluctuations that may arise in the future." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-12 14:44:14 메트로 기자

China's Blitz Alert... All-Out Pressure on Materials, Electronics, and Automotive Sectors

Chinese companies are expanding their presence in the domestic market beyond low-cost consumer goods, venturing into advanced technology sectors such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and other industries. They are increasingly entering the Korean market, which is sensitive to trends, with products ranging from robot vacuum cleaners and smartphones to automobiles. Although this movement may not immediately impact domestic companies, there are concerns that it could have a long-term effect on the overall manufacturing and consumption ecosystem in the domestic industry. According to industry sources on the 12th, the technology gap between South Korea and China is only 0.3 years. This means that China could catch up to South Korean industrial technology in just a few months. In particular, Chinese companies have made significant progress by leveraging government support and abundant human resources, narrowing the gap with South Korean technology. With this momentum, they are intensifying their efforts to target the Korean market. Chinese companies, primarily in the electronics sector, are focusing on expanding their market share in South Korea. Once called the "mistake of the continent," Xiaomi has now established a local subsidiary in South Korea to introduce products and services tailored to the local market. Xiaomi recently established Xiaomi Technology Korea, with a strategy to accelerate its market penetration by setting up the subsidiary this year, building on its staff who had been managing distribution in Korea since 2016. Xiaomi has expanded its product range from smartphones to air purifiers, robot vacuum cleaners, smart bands, and more recently, electric vehicles. Robot vacuum company Roborock opened its second flagship store in South Korea on the 1st. As the market leader in robot vacuum cleaners in Korea, Roborock, a Chinese company, is building a premium brand image not only through its flagship stores but also by entering major department stores nationwide. In addition to its dominance in the domestic robot vacuum market, Roborock is now introducing washer-dryer products, putting pressure on major players like Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics. The automotive industry is also in an uncertain situation. The current scenario is quite different from seven years ago when Chinese Dongfeng Motor entered the domestic market with cost-effective models but eventually withdrew. Now, with advancements in electric vehicle and autonomous driving technologies, the global standing of Chinese automakers has significantly changed. BYD, which has formed a global electric vehicle duopoly with Tesla, has officially entered the South Korean market through BYD Korea starting in January this year. The company is currently building its sales network in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Busan, Jeju, and other regions. This month, BYD plans to launch the mid-sized sedan 'Seal' and the compact SUV 'Atto 3.' These models are expected to be priced 5 million to 10 million KRW cheaper than domestic competitors, when factoring in an 8% tariff, sales incentives, and electric vehicle subsidies. BYD's cost-effectiveness is based on securing cost competitiveness through economies of scale and in-house production of batteries, making it difficult for other brands to easily follow suit, according to analysis. Additionally, Chinese electric vehicle brand Xpeng is also reported to be actively pursuing its entry into the South Korean market. The finished vehicle industry believes that if Chinese companies with advanced autonomous driving and battery technologies enter the South Korean market, the burden on domestic automakers will significantly increase. In particular, if these companies succeed in penetrating the domestic market, it is expected to directly impact the global electric vehicle sales of Hyundai and Kia. An industry insider expressed concern, stating, "In the past, Chinese companies targeted the domestic market by emphasizing price competitiveness, but now they are pressuring the market with products that also have strong technological capabilities." The insider added, "If we don't prepare for competition with Chinese companies, there is a high likelihood that we will lose our share of the domestic market." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-12 14:17:47 메트로신문 기자

[CES 2025] Choi Tae-won, After Meeting with Jensen Huang, "Development Speed Now Faster Than NVIDIA's Demands"

Choi Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group, met with Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, at the world's largest IT and technology exhibition, CES 2025. Chairman Choi revealed that through this meeting, he confirmed that SK hynix's development speed is surpassing NVIDIA's required level. On January 8 (local time), Chairman Choi Tae-won, attending CES 2025, held a press conference with domestic reporters and answered questions regarding the relationship between SK hynix and NVIDIA. This marks Chairman Choi's third consecutive year attending CES in person. In response to a question about additional discussions on HBM during his meeting with Jensen Huang, Chairman Choi stated, "I confirmed that SK hynix's development speed is now slightly ahead of NVIDIA's. In the past, we were asked to speed up development, but now the tables have turned." He also added that the supply quantity for this year has been fully decided by the working-level teams. He continued, "We exchanged views on physical AI, such as Cosmos™, and mentioned that it would be great to collaborate in the future. I also shared Korea's manufacturing know-how." Cosmos™ is the physical AI development platform announced by NVIDIA at CES this year. It is composed of cutting-edge generative World Foundation Models (WFM), advanced tokenizers, guardrails, and an accelerated video processing pipeline. On that day, Chairman Choi spent a significant amount of time explaining the direction of SK Group's AI business, including AI data centers. Chairman Choi stated, "At this year's CES, it was clear that AI has been integrated into everything," and added, "We plan to focus on AI data center-related businesses as a key initiative." Regarding SK's plans to expand into the U.S., he explained, "The AI data center-related industry is connected not only to the power plant business but also to energy issues across all stages, including semiconductors and cooling (thermal management)." He further stated, "I believe that there are many points of intersection between SK's portfolio and the U.S. market." At this year's CES, SK Group set up a booth under the theme "Creating a Sustainable Future with Innovative AI Technology," showcasing AI data center solutions, AI semiconductors including HBM3E 16-layer chips, and SKC glass substrate technology. Chairman Choi visited the booth and, holding a model of the SKC glass substrate, smiled and said, "I just sold this." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-09 15:32:50 메트로신문 기자

"Riding High on the Strong Exchange Rate... Power Equipment Sector Expected to Boost Profitability with Foreign Exchange Gains"

Recently, the rapid rise in the won-dollar exchange rate has become a negative factor for industries across the board. In contrast, the power equipment sector is showing positive signs for profitability. Since most of the power equipment business is driven by expanding overseas operations, it is expected to benefit from the increase in foreign exchange gains due to the rise in the won-dollar exchange rate. According to industry sources on January 9, power equipment companies are expected to achieve strong performance in the fourth quarter. This is due to the rapid increase in transformer demand as data centers for artificial intelligence (AI) operations expand in the United States. With the inauguration of Donald Trump's second administration, there is growing sentiment that the need to replace power infrastructure will increase. President-elect Trump has maintained the position that the U.S. must maintain dominance in the global AI industry, and it is expected that this will lead to additional demand for AI data centers. Moreover, the high exchange rate is also being cited as a factor contributing to the growth in performance. The won-dollar exchange rate surged to the 1,430 KRW range in early December 2024 due to a state of emergency, and on December 19, the U.S. Federal Reserve's announcement to adjust the number of interest rate cuts in 2025 pushed the rate past 1,450 KRW. Following that, after the impeachment vote of the acting president on December 27, the exchange rate surpassed 1,470 KRW, and it has remained around the 1,450 KRW range since then. In this situation, the power equipment sector is expected to benefit from positive effects due to increased sales in North America. With the rise in the won-dollar exchange rate and the completion of investments in ultra-high-voltage transformers, there is ample potential for profitability growth, according to analysis. The securities industry also predicts that the power equipment sector will see an increase in fourth-quarter performance. HD Hyundai Electric is expected to achieve a revenue of 985.5 billion KRW in the fourth quarter, representing a 23.6% increase compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to expanded production capacity, seasonal leverage effects, and the benefits of the high exchange rate. Additionally, although there was a gap in North American distribution transformers in the third quarter, it is estimated that smooth deliveries are taking place in the fourth quarter. According to HD Hyundai Electric's public disclosure, the exchange rates applied to the contracts for "380kV high-voltage circuit breakers and transformers" signed with Saudi Arabian companies in October and November 2023 were 1,357.6 KRW and 1,295.7 KRW, respectively. With forecasts suggesting that the exchange rate could break through the 1,500 KRW mark, there are opinions that the profitability of these existing contracts could improve due to the rising exchange rate. LS Electric's fourth-quarter revenue is expected to reach 1.1 trillion KRW, marking an 11.2% increase compared to the previous year. Operating profit is forecasted to be 88.7 billion KRW, reflecting a 30.3% year-on-year increase. This growth is anticipated due to the benefits from the high exchange rate, particularly from transformer sales to North America in the power infrastructure sector. Hyosung Heavy Industries is also expected to achieve positive results. The fourth-quarter revenue is estimated to reach 1.4 trillion KRW, a 10.7% increase compared to the previous year. Operating profit is projected to be 125.8 billion KRW, marking a 98.5% year-on-year increase. However, some point out that there are still uncertainties, such as concerns over domestic economic slowdown due to the high exchange rate, making it difficult to be overly optimistic without considering these risks. An industry insider stated, "As the export scale is increasing across the power equipment sector, we can expect the benefits of the high exchange rate in terms of performance. However, if the high exchange rate trend continues, it will be necessary to continuously monitor the impact on the overall business, including the rise in raw material prices." He continued, "With the development of AI technology, the replacement of aging power grids in North America, and the expansion of renewable energy in Europe, among other factors, the boom in the power equipment market is expected to continue throughout this year." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-09 14:43:37 메트로신문 기자

Hyundai Motor Group to Invest 24.3 Trillion KRW This Year for Change and Innovation, the Largest Investment in History

Amid an uncertain domestic and global business environment, Hyundai Motor Group is making a large-scale domestic investment to strengthen its future competitiveness, with a focus on South Korea as a hub for mobility innovation. Hyundai Motor Group announced on the 9th that it plans to invest a record-high 24.3 trillion KRW in South Korea this year. This year's investment is a 19% increase compared to the previous record of 20.4 trillion KRW in 2024, marking an increase of 3.9 trillion KRW. Hyundai Motor Group's decision to make its largest-ever domestic investment this year is based on the judgment that continuous and stable investment is essential to overcome the increasing uncertainties and secure future growth drivers. In his New Year's message this year, Chairman Euisun Chung emphasized the importance of the perspective and attitude needed to face crises, the ongoing transformation and innovation through Hyundai Motor Group's continuous improvement, and the significance of the DNA for overcoming crises. He encouraged employees by saying, "We have always faced crises, overcome them excellently, and emerged stronger after each crisis." Hyundai Motor Group will allocate 11.5 trillion KRW for research and development (R&D), 12 trillion KRW for ongoing investments, and 8 trillion KRW for strategic investments. The R&D investments will be used to secure key future capabilities, including enhancing product competitiveness, electrification, software-defined vehicles (SDV), hydrogen products, and the development of core technologies. Hyundai Motor Group will flexibly respond to changes in electric vehicle demand by leading with high-performance, fuel-efficient hybrid models, next-generation hybrid systems, and extended-range electric vehicles (EREV). Hyundai Motor Group plans to steadily expand the development of new electric vehicle models and accelerate the transition to electrification. Hyundai aims to establish a full lineup of 21 electric vehicle models by 2030, ranging from economy models to luxury and high-performance vehicles. Kia, on the other hand, will complete its full lineup of 15 electric vehicle models, including various purpose-built vehicles (PBV), by 2027. In the SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle) field, the goal is to complete the development of an SDV pace car featuring high-performance electric and electronic architecture for vehicles by 2026 through in-house software development. The project aims to expand this technology to mass-produced vehicles. Ongoing investments will be directed towards expanding production facilities to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and the development of new models, innovating manufacturing technologies, and enhancing infrastructure such as customer experience centers. Hyundai Motor Group will make large-scale investments in the construction of dedicated EV factories this year as well. Last year, Kia launched the Gwangmyeong EVO plant and began production of the small electric vehicle EV3. In the second half of this year, the group plans to complete the Hwaseong EVO plant and start full-scale production of customer-specific PBV electric vehicles. The Hyundai Ulsan dedicated EV factory, currently under construction with the goal of starting operations in the first half of 2026, plans to begin mass production with an electric ultra-large sports utility vehicle (SUV) model, followed by a variety of other vehicle types. Strategic investments will be allocated to enhance the competitiveness of key future businesses, including autonomous driving, software (SW), and artificial intelligence (AI). When classified by business sector, the investment in the finished vehicle sector amounts to 16.3 trillion KRW. In addition to the finished vehicle sector, 8 trillion KRW will be invested in other sectors such as parts, steel, construction, finance, and other businesses to discover new ventures and enhance the competitiveness of core businesses. A Hyundai Motor Group official stated, "To realize humanity's dream of 'safe and free mobility and a peaceful life,' we will continue to secure future growth drivers through active investments, constant improvement of our organizational structure, and changes and innovations, without being shaken by internal and external business environments." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다

2025-01-09 14:37:30 메트로신문 기자

Hyundai Steel Tackles Trump-era Tariff Risks with U.S. Steel Plant Construction

With poor domestic demand, Hyundai Steel's outlook for the fourth quarter is not promising, and concerns are growing that the sharp rise in the won-dollar exchange rate will negatively impact profitability. However, some analysts believe that performance could improve in the second half of the year, supported by strengthened regulations on imports of Chinese steel and the recovery of export profit margins for steel pipes. Hyundai Steel is currently focused on bottoming out and preparing for a market rebound. According to industry sources on January 8, Hyundai Steel's fourth-quarter performance is expected to be poor due to factors such as falling product prices and rising electricity costs. Analysts in the securities industry project Hyundai Steel's consolidated revenue to reach 5.8 trillion KRW and operating profit to be 833 billion KRW. Operating profit is expected to slightly miss the market forecast of 1.02 trillion KRW. Despite the end of the off-season in the third quarter, the continued sluggish demand for long steel products in the domestic market is expected to result in a total sales volume of 4.3 million tons, a 2.6% decrease compared to the previous year. While the average import price of Chinese iron ore stabilized at around $101 per ton in the fourth quarter of last year, there are widespread concerns that the high exchange rate will inevitably increase cost pressures. Considering the weakness in coking coal prices, Hyundai Steel's input cost for blast furnace raw materials in the first quarter is expected to be similar to that of the fourth quarter. In this situation, Hyundai Steel is actively preparing the groundwork for a rebound after the slump. The industry is focusing on the potential improvement in steel demand driven by China's economic stimulus measures, with some analysts presenting optimistic forecasts. Although the sluggish demand in the construction sector is expected to persist, some analysts believe that the margin will increase as the decline in raw material prices is expected to be greater than the drop in product prices. In the case of long steel products, rebar steelmakers announced they would temporarily suspend low-price supply to distributors, which has led to a rebound in distribution prices since the end of the year. Hyundai Steel is considering local investments in the U.S. to address uncertainties surrounding tariff policies ahead of the inauguration of President Donald Trump's second term. This move is part of the company's efforts to mitigate potential risks and ensure stability in its operations. Hyundai Steel is reportedly considering the construction of a steel plant in the U.S. capable of producing automotive steel plates. This move is seen as an effort to overcome trade barriers, such as the steel tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, and to supply Hyundai Motor Group's U.S. plants through local production. Hyundai Motor Group operates Kia's plant in Georgia and Hyundai's plant in Alabama. Additionally, the group is constructing a dedicated eco-friendly electric vehicle factory, MetaPlant America (HMGMA), in the Savannah area of Georgia. At the shareholders' meeting in March last year, Hyundai Steel CEO Seo Kang-hyun stated, "We are considering local production bases to respond to global protectionism," and "We are carefully analyzing the optimal regions to overcome trade barriers." In 2018, during the Trump administration's first term, the U.S. government introduced an import quota system instead of imposing tariffs on South Korean steel, allowing for an annual quota of 2.68 million tons. Under this system, steel exported from South Korea to the U.S. is subject to duty-free treatment up to the 2.68 million-ton limit. A Hyundai Steel representative stated, "This year, expectations for an improvement in the market are rising, as the demand for eco-friendly ships in the shipbuilding industry, a major steel consumer, is increasing." They continued, "In the construction sector, leading indicators such as orders and the area of new construction are expected to recover. Despite challenging circumstances, the company is continuing its efforts to focus on high-value-added products and build an optimal production and sales system." The representative added, "Thanks to these conditions, profitability is expected to improve compared to last year. However, since there hasn't been a significant increase in product prices, it is anticipated that profitability will not improve easily in the fourth quarter." ChatGPT를 사용하여 번역한 기사입니다.

2025-01-08 16:18:01 메트로신문 기자

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