Thoughts on Korean Business by Don Southerton

My last article discussed the Korean mini car market. At the opposite end of the spectrum there is the Spirra . The cars are crafted by Proto Motors , which was acquired by Oullim Motors in 2007. Korea Herald notes: The Korean supercar Spirra passed all of the tests required in Small Series Type Approval required to market automobiles in Europe, Oullim Networks announced on Tuesday. Although Oullim Networks formed an agreement with the Dutch firm Miles Benelux to ship 145 Spirra vehicles to Europe over three years in July 2008, exports have been postponed due to delays in the approval process. Spirra cars, Spirra S and Spirra Turbo, come with 2.7-liter engines that generate 400 and 500 brake horsepower. The cars have zero-to-100 kilometers per hour acceleration time of 4.8 and 3.8 seconds.

I study the Korean car market. Over the past years, I have documented and discussed Korea's march up market. That said, there is still strong demand in Korea for sub compacts, which are not part of the line up in many nations including the United States. The GM Daewoo Maitz Creative super mini shown above and noted below is based on the Chevy Spark. This Korea Herald article shares much on entry level sector in Korea. GM Daewoo has had free rein over Korea's city car market for several years with the Matiz becoming something of an icon in the field. Its dominance partly resulted from Hyundai Motor Co.'s discontinuance of its city car Atoz in 2003 and Kia Motors Corp.'s Morning car only being included last year. That changed last year when the limit on city cars' engine displacement was raised to 1 liter, bringing Kia Motors Corp.'s Morning into the same segment. The Matiz was quickly pushed off its throne as Morning sales soared. The Morning wooed motorists wi...

Korean Cars Drive to the Top: A Look at the Korean Car Industry By Don Southerton, President and CEO, Bridging Culture Worldwide Wednesday, September 9, 2009 11:30 AM-12:00 AM ♦ Registration 12:00 PM-1:30 PM ♦ Lunch and Presentation The Korea Society 950 Third Avenue @ 57th Street, 8th Floor (Building entrance on SW corner of Third Avenue and 57th Street) Upon their arrival in America during the mid-1980s, Korean cars were met with late-night comedians poking fun at their quality and durability. Such sentiments seem antiquated today with Hyundai and Kia ranking highly in quality and consumer confidence. The Hyundai Genesis even picked up the 2009 North American Car of the Year award. Add all of this to spectacular sales figures, and it's easy to see that Korean cars have come a long way. What has lead to such recent successes? Don Southerton , author and Korean global business expert, will share insights into the Korean car industry, Hyundai and Kia Motors, and their amazing drive ...

I'm back from an exciting week in Korea. In addition to a wildly successful launch of Chemulpo-to-Songdo IBD: Korea International Gateway , the gala Grand Opening of Songdo International Business District was spectacular. I was also able to lodge in Songdo IBD's new Sheraton hotel and each morning stroll through the new Central Park. The hotel is quite impressive. More so, I met its General Manager Alain Rigodin. My new book will be showcased in all the VIP suites and in the executive Club Lounge. Finally, plans are for the new book to be featured at the Songdo International School. The school is the most advanced and cutting edge in the world--fitting for Korea's city of the future--Songdo IBD. Regards, DS Look for a future posting where I'll comment on Korea's economy and trends. Questions? Call +1-310-866-3777 or email Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Breaking News, Songdo IBD Korea The August 6, 2009 Korea launch of Chemulpo to Songdo IBD was attended by a huge crowd including including Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang- soo , Stan Gale- Chairman Gale International, former Ambassador Donald Gregg, local officials, Korean and American VIP guests, and media . The event took place in the historic former Chemulpo Club, a gentleman's club built in 1901. Following the book presentation, author Don Southerton , conducted a tour for the American VIPs of Jayu Park and the historic Chinatown district. Book Preview http://chemulpotosongdoibd.com

I'm always interested in new projects and hope you keep BCW in mind. This report shares the scope of our expertise as well as some of our achievements and works-in-progress. (Note: most of BCW’s relationships are highly confidential and private, so specifics on research, business development, U.S.- Korea brokering, executive coaching, and expert witness work are not reflected in the report). S o m e o f current projects include: Hyundai Motor Company Global Training Program--Author and consultant State Department and MOFAT WEST (Work, Study, and Travel)-Consultant Gale International and Songdo International Business District (IBD)-Consultant and book author Resort Monarque 36.5--Business development representative and advisor Hyundai MOBIS Global Leadership Training-Lecturer and consultant Kia Motors America-Korean culture coach Hyundai Motor Company Global Training Program—Seoul and La Jolla, California After 2 ½ of years of planning, development, and daily collaboration, BCW...