Hyundai Group sold 350,000 “green” vehicles in 2019

According to a report by the Korean Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA), a total of 5.27 million vehicles with alternative drive systems were sold worldwide. Alternative drives include fuel cells, plug-in hybrids and hybrid vehicles as well as battery-powered electric vehicles. The sales figures for these vehicles rose by 14.4 percent to a new record high in 2019. Hybrid vehicles accounted for the lion’s share of these sales, at 3.17 million, an increase of 20 percent. Their sales figure and year-on-year increase is the highest since 2015. 2.1 million battery-powered electric cars were sold, 6.1 percent more than in the previous year. According to analysts, there was weaker demand in this segment due to the withdrawal of subsidies for electric vehicles in China.

 

 

By manufacturer brand, Toyota leads the way with a share of 37 percent or 1.98 million vehicles, an increase of 17.9 percent over the previous year. The Japanese company accounts for around 60 percent of global sales of hybrid vehicles or 1.92 million units. Tesla is in second place with 460,000 vehicles and an increase of 80.3 percent, Honda is in third place with 390,000 vehicles and an increase of 27.4 percent. Hyundai and Kia, which are based in South Korea, are in fourth place worldwide with 350,000 vehicles sold with alternative drive systems, an increase of 25.1 percent over the previous year. Broken down into individual vehicle categories, the Hyundai Group has sold 220,000 hybrid vehicles and 130,000 battery-powered vehicles. Compared to the previous year, sales figures rose by 32.7 and 14.5 percent respectively.

Looking at battery-powered electric vehicles, Tesla is the market leader for the second year in a row, followed by BYD from China, followed by BMW, Hyundai and Kia. The global sales markets for electric vehicles, broken down by region, show an enormous increase of 51.1 percent over the previous year in Europe, with 1.5 million vehicles sold. China follows in second place with 1.31 million and a plus of 7.6 percent. The decline in China is due to the discontinuation or reduction of subsidies for electric cars. In third place is Japan with 1.14 million vehicles and a slight increase of 0.5 percent.

MPR International GmbH will be happy to advise you regarding a Korea certification in the automotive sector. We have already successfully accompanied many large automotive suppliers and also vehicle manufacturers with locations in Korea in their certification projects and have been supporting these companies for several years. Our experts are available to you at any time by phone or e-mail for questions regarding an upcoming Korea certification.

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KGS Becomes First IECEx Approved Certification Body under Service Facility Scheme in Asia

The Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS) is the first certification body in Asia that has been accredited under the IECEx Service Facility Scheme. This allows KGS to certify maintenance and repair companies for explosion-proof equipment under the IEC 60079-19 standard.

The IECEx Service Facility Scheme is an international ex-proof certification system that evaluates the technical capabilities of companies in charge of maintenance and repair of explosion-proof equipment used in hazardous areas. The IEC 60079-19 standard was published in 2006 and standardizes the requirements and necessary competencies for the repair and maintenance of ex-proof equipment. Apart from standardizing and elevating safety standards, the norm makes accreditation much easier and more transparent, because it provides one universally accepted accreditation.

 

 

An IECEx Certificate of Conformity shows that a Service Facility obtaining the certification has been independently assessed. A successful certification shows that a company has competent and trained staff, appropriate equipment and implemented procedures that can be relied on for repair, overhaul or modification work in compliance with IECEx requirements, like IEC 60079-19. Furthermore, it shows, that the location of the service facility has been audited and their quality system is in conformity with IECEx requirements.

There are only 16 certification bodies worldwide that are accredited under this scheme.

KGS became an IECEx certified body in 2003 and the addition of this new certification scope makes it possible to provide maintenance company certification services for explosion-proof devices in all industries.

In Korea, KGS CODE GC103, a standard on Inspection and Maintenance of Explosion-Proof Electrical Equipment, was established in 2018, which stipulates in detail the required staff qualifications, inspections and type of methods for safe maintenance of explosion-proof devices. This helped KGS with achieving the IECEx accreditation and will open up more business for explosion-proof manufacturers and service companies.

Do you have questions about the KCs certification for explosion proof components? We can assist with the certification of your explosion proof products in Korea. Please do not hesitate to contact us via chat. You will find the chat window at the bottom right of every page (if this is not visible, please check your browser settings).

We offer certification services for all product areas, including KC certification for consumer products and especially electronics, KC EMC certification for electronic products and KCs certification for machinery and KCs for explosion-proof products. We are at your disposal for any questions about Korea certifications.

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South Korean companies leading in hydrogen technology for transportation

The Hyundai Motor Group announced that it will invest a total of 6.19 billion US dollars in the development of a hydrogen industry by 2030. It will create 51,000 new jobs and produce 500,000 hydrogen vehicles. In July of this year they started the world’s first serial production of commercial vehicles with fuel cells and exported them to Switzerland. The Hyundai Rotem division has recently added hydrogen filling stations to its services. The company’s own hydrogen conversion plant in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, is scheduled to start operations this year. In addition, Hyundai Mobis has built a new fuel cell manufacturing plant in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province in 2018 and plans to expand annual production capacity to 40,000 units by 2022.

 

 

Another company from South Korea, the Hanwa Group, is working on the production of environmentally friendly “green” hydrogen, which is produced from renewable energies such as photovoltaics instead of oil or natural gas. To this end, the chemicals division, Hanwa Solutions, has invested 26.4 million US dollars in a plant for the production of hydrogen using the electrolysis process. The joint project between Hanwa and the German government is scheduled to start in 2023. Q Cells, a subsidiary of Hanwa, is to supply and operate the solar plants, while the Chemicals division will be responsible for the production of hydrogen, which will be stored in tanks developed in-house. Hanwa Energy has already built and commissioned a power plant in July, which will be operated with residues from the petrochemical industry that are converted into hydrogen. The costs amounted to 226 million US dollars, the plant has a capacity of 50 megawatts and can generate up to 400,000 MWh of energy annually.

 

In the city of Ulsan, Hyosung and the Linde Group are building what is currently the largest plant for the production of liquid hydrogen. The plant is scheduled to be completed in 2022 and cost 266 million US dollars. The liquid hydrogen will be used to power vehicles, drones, ships and forklift trucks. In addition, 120 filling stations for liquid hydrogen are to be built nationwide. MPR International GmbH – Korea Certification is represented by its own companies at five locations and thus completely covers the demand for certification services for the South Korean market. We offer certification services for all product areas, including KC certification for consumer products and especially electronics, KC EMC certification for electronic products and KCs certification for machinery and KCs for explosion-proof products. We are at your disposal for any questions about Korea certifications. Let us advise you free of charge!

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South Korea strengthens international cooperation in research for future technologies

The South Korean government would like to strengthen international cooperation in research on groundbreaking, future technologies. The three designated fields of research are self-driving vehicles, semiconductor materials and machines, and a next-generation mobile communication network called 6G. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy recently invited leading research and development institutions from both in Korea and abroad to participate in various projects. On behalf of the ministry, the Korea Institute for Advcancement of Technology (KIAT) accepted the applications at the end of September.

 

 

The ministry plans to five-fold increase international projects in the research field by 2023. Currently, international projects account for less than three percent of all government-supported projects. Therefore, the ministry will select 4 teams each for eight concrete research projects. Research will be conducted on new LEDs for displays, exposure for semiconductor production, sensors for self-driving vehicles, robot-human integration and 6G networks. The eight areas were determined after evaluating a survey of Korean industry to determine which technologies they believe will be most important in the future. The winning teams will receive prize money equivalent to $844,000 per year for three years. The Ministry will announce the winners in October 2020.

This is the first time that South Korea has called for such a competition independently of foreign governments or researchers. In the past, there have been difficulties in technology transfer when foreign government research institutions were involved, said a KIAT spokesperson. With the new approach, i.e. research areas defined by Korean industry and selected research teams, the ministry hopes to achieve concrete results for the domestic economy.

Many products imported into South Korea must be tested and certified in advance. KC certification, or Korea Certification, is primarily aimed at identifying and containing a potential risk to safety, health and the environment. The Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) is responsible for KC certification in South Korea. It is part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). The KATS establishes a legal framework for the market introduction of various consumer goods to ensure consumer safety. MPR International GmbH – Korea Certification is represented by its own subsidiaries at five locations and thus completely covers the demand for certification services for the South Korean market. We are at your disposal for any questions about Korea certifications without obligation.

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LG founds global alliance to research new materials using artificial intelligence

The global alliance will use artificial intelligence (AI) and robots to research powerful chemical compounds and innovative next-generation materials. The group, called “Alliance for AI-Accelerated Materials Discovery” (A3MD), consists of LG Group, the University of Toronto, McMaster University from Canada and the French energy giant Total SA. According to LG Science Park, the Group’s research facility, the alliance consists of the best scientists from academia and industry and is the first group in the world to conduct research on new materials using artificial intelligence.

 

 

As a founding member, LG Group plans to establish a global research network with experts in AI and materials research. Members of the group include Professors Ted Sargent and Alan-Aspuru-Guzik of the University of Toronto and Professor Drew Higgins of McMaster University. All three are high-ranking scientists in the fields of AI, computer-aided materials research and automated, robot-controlled laboratory experiments. The energy company Total, which already uses AI-supported software for data analysis, is participating as an industrial partner of the alliance.

The research alliance’s goals include the development of environmentally friendly catalysts in the chemical industry and novel optical materials. The composition and production of these materials is to be accelerated by artificial intelligence and automated tests. For example, ethylene and other petrochemical base compounds could be extracted from atmospheric carbon dioxide. For this purpose, the group is researching catalysts that make such a chemical reaction possible.

South Korea is considered one of the most important and innovative industrial nations in the world. To gain market access to this highly technological country, many products imported into South Korea must be tested and certified. The KC-Mark or KC-certificate corresponds approximately to the European CE-mark and applies to 730 different products. MPR International GmbH – Korea Certification is represented by its own subsidiaries at five locations and thus completely covers the demand for certification services for the South Korean market. Our experts are available to you at any time and without obligation to answer your questions regarding a Korea certification.

If you need assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact us any time.

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LG Uplus plans introduction of autonomous robot next year

LG Uplus Corporation, a leading South Korean mobile operator, said last Friday it plans to launch a self-operating industrial robot with 5G connectivity next year. The robot, which was developed in cooperation with Unmanned Solution, a company specializing in autonomous driving, recently demonstrated its capabilities within a refinery. The refinery belongs to Hyundai Oilbank and is located in Seosan, 150 km south of the capital Seoul. According to LG Uplus, during the demonstration the robot was able to move within an accuracy of 10 centimeters and performed routine tasks such as measuring and reading temperatures of the plant equipment.

 

 

The robot, which is manufactured by Unmanned Solutions, can calculate its location and movement by using position data from the high-speed 5G wireless network. It benefits from the extremely short latency of the 5G network. A spokesman for LG Uplus said that this autonomous robot will be part of the basic equipment of a refinery in the future. The spokesman added that a robot is preferable to human workers, particularly from a safety perspective. LG Uplus plans to complete the test operation by the end of this year and bring the robot to market next year.

LG Uplus Corp. is a South Korean mobile phone provider owned by LG Corporation and parent company of LG Electronics. In addition to mobile communication, LG Uplus offers further services through subsidiaries: BankOn is the most popular mobile banking service in South Korea, MusicOn is a music streaming service. LG Uplus has its own infrastructure as well as landline telephone network, broadband internet with fiber optics and television over the internet (IPTV). Electronic devices and systems for mobile communication must undergo certification in Korea. Among others, there is the KC certification for consumer products and especially electronics as well as the KC EMC certification for electronic products. MPR International GmbH – Korea Certification is represented by its own subsidiaries at five locations and thus completely covers the demand for certification services for the South Korean market. We offer certification services for all product areas. We have developed special expertise in the automotive, electrical, mechanical engineering, telecommunications and IT sectors. Our experts are always available to answer your questions without obligation.

If you need assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact us any time.

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For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

Korean battery manufacturers showed mixed reactions to Tesla’s new product

The three largest Korean battery manufacturers, which have a global market share of 30 percent in automotive batteries, are uncertain about Tesla’s new product launch, but at the same time have particular expectations of the new technology. The core of Tesla’s new technology is the “Roadrunner Project”, a blueprint for battery manufacturing. At Battery Day, industry experts saw a presentation of the current status of the project, which aims to reduce manufacturing costs and increase energy density and durability. Tesla also gave an outlook on future production processes for automotive batteries. The greatest strength of Tesla, the world’s number 1 in electric vehicles, is the vertical integration of semiconductors, electronic control systems and vehicle components used in electric vehicles.

 

 

Despite all the euphoria, Tesla is currently dependent on external suppliers for vehicle batteries. The possibility of an in-house production of solid state batteries at Tesla gained substance after taking over Maxwell, a battery manufacturer. However, analysts do not yet see Tesla’s own batteries ready for series production due to technical challenges. Experts therefore speculate that Tesla is working on a new technology for lithium ion phosphate (LFP) batteries in cooperation with the Chinese battery manufacturer CATL.

Although the three largest Korean battery manufacturers are concerned about Tesla’s entry into the automotive battery market, it is also hoped that this will have positive effects in terms of a growing market and increasing acceptance of electric vehicles. A spokesman for Korean industry said: “Tesla has triggered a boom for electric vehicles and their entry into the battery business will also bring benefits to Korean companies. Competition will boost the market and bring new technologies to market faster”. An industry insider also urged prudence: “Even though Tesla will introduce innovative technologies, it will still be difficult to compete with the decades of development work and experience of specialized battery manufacturers.” The South Korean companies LG Chem, SK Innovation and Samsung SDI are among the leading battery manufacturers and have a global market share of 30 percent.

Components of electric vehicles, which include batteries, must undergo certification in Korea. The KC mark or KC certificate is roughly equivalent to the European CE mark and applies to 730 different products, such as cars, elevators and many electronic products. MPR International GmbH – Korea Certification is represented by its own subsidiaries at five locations and thus completely covers the demand for certification services for the South Korean market. We offer certification services for all product areas. We have developed special expertise in the automotive, electrical, mechanical engineering, telecommunications and IT sectors. Our experts are always available to answer your questions without obligation.

If you need assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact us any time.

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LG Chem invests in battery joint venture with GM

The South Korean company LG Chem has started investing in a joint venture with GM for the production of battery cells for vehicles. Around 35 million US dollars flowed from LG Chem into the Ultium Cells joint venture in April 2020. In December 2019, LG Chem and GM had already announced that they would invest a total of the equivalent of 2.24 billion US dollars in the new company. According to LG, their share, which they will pay over the four years to 2023, is the equivalent of 831 million US dollars.

 

 

With the start of production at Ultium Cells, LG Chem will secure two production sites in the United States. The capacity of the plant in Holland in the US state of Michigan will be 5 GWh per year. According to the company, the total output of Ultium Cells will be 30 GWh per year. The company also plans to establish or expand other locations in Asia and Europe. Another joint venture is planned with the Chinese car manufacturer Geely. This site is to be completed by the end of 2021 and will have a capacity of 10 GWh. The existing plant in Wroclaw, Poland, will be expanded and its annual production capacity increased to 60 GWh.

Based on these plans, LG Chem’s production capacity for batteries for electric vehicles will grow to 200 GWh by 2023. This would mean that 3.3 million electric vehicles with a range of 380 kilometers could be charged once. Do you need Korea certification for automotive components?

MPR International GmbH has already successfully accompanied many large automotive suppliers and vehicle manufacturers in their certification projects for Asian markets and has been supporting many companies for several years. No matter if you are in the early stages of your planning or if you have already passed a certification and now new projects or follow-up audits are pending. When choosing MPR International GmbH you can rely on the greatest competence in the automotive sector.

If you need assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact us any time.
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For more information you can download our free brochure “Korea Certification Made Easy – The Booklet“.

German company receives license for LG’s vacuum cleaner robot

On June 1, the South Korean company LG Electronics announced that it had signed a licensing and patent utilization agreement with Miele, a German company leading the market for domestic appliances in Europe. The agreement allows Miele to produce and sell robot vacuum cleaners using LG Electronics’ patented technology. Previously, only the US company GE Appliance had such a license. The agreement with Miele includes three important patents held by LG Electronics for its vacuum cleaner robots.

 

 

These patents include automatic location of the charging station, sensors in the dust container filter and the coupling of the drive to the lower brush. LG Electronics has a total of more than 700 registered patents for vacuum cleaner robots. For another important product, refrigerators with an icemaker in the door, LG Electronics has already concluded an agreement with GE Appliance in June 2019. The patent is a key technology for the drinking water filters and ice-makers in the door of a refrigerator, which are widely used and popular in North America. In this area, LG Electronics has more than 400 registered patents worldwide for icemakers in refrigerator doors.

For import or sale in South Korea, household appliances are subject to KC certification (also called KC mark). The KC-Mark or KC certificate corresponds approximately to the European CE mark and applies to 730 different products. The main purpose of KC certification or Korea Certification is to identify and contain a potential risk to the health and safety of consumers. We would be pleased to advise you without obligation regarding Korea Certification and would be pleased to carry out this for you.

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KT introduces new services for automated warehouses

South Korean telecommunications company Korea Telecom KT recently introduced its new automated warehouse services using a local 5G network and self-guided forklift trucks. The company uses this concept in its warehouse in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.

 

 

The new system includes two different automated material handling vehicles that can transport large or heavy loads or follow an employee through the warehouse while assembling a shipment. The vehicle collects data in real time, which helps employees to optimize logistics processes. According to Korea Telecom, the automatic vehicles have reduced the distances walked by employees by 47 percent. The company also plans to extend the technology to other industries or applications in the areas of production, warehousing and material handling.

A spokesman for KT said they will work to further develop this novel logistics concept, as an increase in logistics and supply chains is expected after the end of the coronavirus epidemic. After testing it in a warehouse, the company plans to offer its services to other industries such as hospitals or libraries.

Most information, communication and telecommunications technology equipment sold in South Korea requires KC certification as well as KC EMC certification. For products with radio technology (RF), KC EMC certification is also required to gain access to the South Korean market. This affects products with radio technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID or other wireless communication technologies. MPR International GmbH has solid experience in Korea certification and competent local partners. We would be pleased to advise you without obligation about the scope and procedure of a Korea certification.

If you need assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact us any time.

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