Korean cars have gained popularity recently due to their solid build quality and reliability. If you’re looking to buy a Korean car, you’ll want to choose the right brand.
This list of Korean car brands can help you make that decision! From Hyundai to Kia, let’s go over some of the biggest names in the world of Korean vehicles.
1. Kia Motor
Kia is one of the leading Korean car brands. Founded in 1944, Kia Motors has its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.
The company’s main divisions are Kia Motors Corporation and Kia Motors Corp, which mainly deal with manufacturing cars, trucks, and construction equipment.
In 2002, Hyundai Motor Group (which includes Kia) was ranked second only to General Motors as South Korea’s most valuable brand by consulting firm Brand Finance.
Hyundai-Kia also commands 14% of South Korea’s market share, making it that country’s top automaker since 2008.
2. Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company is a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, Korea. In 2013, Hyundai Motor was ranked as the eighth largest automaker.
The company sold 4.4 million vehicles worldwide in 2012, and with Kia Motors and Hyundai together, worldwide sales were 7.12 million.
As of 2016, Hyundai is one of only three automakers that sell cars in America, Europe, China, and South Korea. Worldwide, it sold more than 5 million vehicles in 2015, with around $114 billion in annual revenue. They are among the best-selling Korean car brands.
3. SsangYong Motor Company
The South Korean company is also one of the biggest Korean car brand automakers and has many models. This makes it an excellent choice if you want to buy a new car.
SsangYong Motor Company started in 1954 when Kyung Sung-tae founded Taegu Tire, which started as just one production line focused on manufacturing truck tires.
Eventually, however, Taegu Tire grew into one of Korea’s biggest tire manufacturers and diversified into manufacturing other tires like passenger cars and heavy machinery.
The business changed its name to SsangYong Motor Company in 1974 when it began focusing on automobiles.
4. Samsung Motors
Samsung Motors, also known as SsangYong Motor Company, is an international company that produces cars. They also build sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks.
The headquarters of Semyung Motors is located in South Korea, and they mainly deal with exporting cars to other countries in Asia and Europe.
They are a large and experienced company producing cars since 1952. One of their most popular products is the Actyon Sports SUV, first launched in 2003.
Another one of their more successful vehicles is their Korando line, which features small hatchbacks and larger SUVs.
Aside from making consumer cars, Semyung Motors also produces military vehicles for South Korea’s army and several other armed forces all over Asia.
5. GM Daewoo Auto & Technology
GM Daewoo Auto & Technology, also known as GM Korea, is an automobile manufacturer in South Korea. General Motors formed it, and Kim Jun founded it as the CEO. In 2009, GM sold most of its ownership to SAIC, retaining a 40% stake.
Currently, GM holds approximately 18% of GM Daewoo’s ownership, with Fidelity Investments and Nexteel holding about 14% each through their respective investment funds (9%).
SAIC Motor Corporation Limited owns the remaining 52%. It’s part of the Korean car brands that will surprise you with speed.
6. Ford Motor Company Korea (FMCK)
Ford Motor Company Korea (FMCK) was established in 1983 with Ford Motor Company as its main shareholder.
This unique joint venture provides sales, marketing, and product support functions for Ford passenger cars and commercial vehicles in South Korea.
Since its inception, FMCK has established itself as one of South Korea’s leading automotive companies and is growing steadily. It employs more than 1,800 people at its headquarters in Seoul and regional offices throughout South Korea.
FMCK has attained significant market share growth over recent years. This one of the growing Korean car brands has been fueled by strong customer demand.
7. Hummer (South Korea)
Hummer is among the South Korean car brand manufacturers, and its headquarter is in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province. They sell luxury automobiles and SUVs under their name while also manufacturing vehicles by Kia and Hyundai.
Korean Cars from Hyundai (현대): Hyundai has been making cars since 1967 when it started as a construction equipment firm and entered auto manufacturing in 1972. It makes a wide range of models, including sedans, crossovers, hatchbacks, and SUVs.
The company’s best-selling model is its Sonata midsize sedan. Models like Elantra and Santa Fe are also popular with consumers.
Hyundai’s sister company Kia Motors (공), was founded in 1944 but didn’t start producing cars until 1974. Today it makes everything from subcompacts to full-size sedans.
8. Renault Samsung Motors, Inc.
Renault Samsung Motors, Inc. is an automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Busan, South Korea. It has been part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance since 2001 and is Nissan Group’s fifth-largest global operation.
Renamed from Renault Samsung Motors in March 2010, it was initially established as Samsung Motor Co., Ltd in 1994.
9. Infiniti (South Korea)
One of the most amazing Korean car brands is Infiniti. Nissan makes Infiniti, and its name comes from infinite innovation, focusing on bold styling and innovative technology. Infiniti produces sedans, coupes, sports cars, crossovers, and SUVs.
Infiniti was created in 1989 as Nissan took over American automaker INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. There are eight different vehicles available under both Infiniti and INFINITI labels.
Iveco Bus (Busan Assembly Plant)
Iveco Bus is one of the Korean car brands and the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer. This company design, manufactures and distributes light to medium-weight trucks, buses, and city buses and coaches.
Iveco has built up an international reputation over decades of innovation, high quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology.
In addition to being renowned for its commercial vehicles, Iveco is also known for manufacturing truck engines that power industrial and marine applications across three continents.
Conclusion
Choosing a brand of vehicle that’s right for you is no easy task. It can feel daunting to make such a significant investment, especially if you don’t know what to look for in a vehicle.
Luckily, many Korean car brands have risen above their competitors and have earned praise from critics and consumers alike.
While American and Japanese vehicles are often associated with top-quality cars, Korean automakers like Hyundai and Kia are earning their stripes with drivers looking for value in their cars.
Because we understand how hard it can be to figure out which brands you should trust, we hope our list of Korean car brands will be of help.
