What Car Brands Are Made in South Korea?

South Korean Automobile Manufacturers

South Korea is the world's fifth-largest auto producer, home to several globally recognized brands. Here are the major passenger vehicle manufacturers based in Korea:

Current Major Brands

• Hyundai Motor Company: Founded 1967; Korea's largest automaker. Brands: Hyundai, Genesis (luxury sub-brand since 2015).
• Kia Corporation: Founded 1944; majority-owned by Hyundai since 1998. Operates as a separate brand with distinct design.
• Genesis Motor: Hyundai's standalone luxury division (GV/G series sedans & SUVs).
• KG Mobility (formerly SsangYong Motor): Specializes in SUVs and off-road vehicles (Torres, Rexton). Acquired by KG Group in 2023.

Historical / Defunct Brands

• Daewoo Motors: Acquired by GM in 2002; became GM Korea (now produces Chevrolet/Buick for export).
• Samsung Motors / Renault Korea Motors: Samsung entered auto in 1994; sold to Renault in 2000. Now Renault Korea (SM6, QM6, XM3).
• Asia Motors: Merged into Kia in 1999 (produced military vehicles, buses).

Production Footprint

• Domestic plants: Ulsan (world's largest single plant), Asan, Jeonju, Gwangju, Changwon.
• Global production: USA (AL, GA), Czechia, Turkey, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, Vietnam.
• 2023 combined Hyundai/Kia global sales: ~7.3 million units (3rd largest globally).

Key Characteristics

• Strong focus on EVs (Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, GV60 on E-GMP platform)
• Industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty (US market)
• Vertical integration: steel (Hyundai Steel), parts (Hyundai Mobis), logistics, shipbuilding.