logo
[Photo News] Mini electrifies Korea

[Photo News] Mini electrifies Korea

Korea Herald13-03-2025
Mini launched three new all-electric vehicles ― the new all-electric Mini Cooper, the new all-electric Mini Aceman and the new all-electric Mini Countryman ― in Korea on Thursday, aiming to invigorate the stalling EV market. Mini Korea said it will provide a charging card worth 500,000 won ($345) to buyers of the new electric Mini. The price of the new all-electric Mini lineup begins at 49.7 million won. (BMW Korea)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

BMW 7 Series tops Korea's premium import sedan sales in H1
BMW 7 Series tops Korea's premium import sedan sales in H1

Korea Herald

time7 days ago

  • Korea Herald

BMW 7 Series tops Korea's premium import sedan sales in H1

BMW's 7 Series posted the strongest sales performance in South Korea's premium flagship import market during the first half of this year. According to the German carmaker's Korean unit on Monday, 2,885 vehicles were sold from January to June, reflecting a 23.7 percent increase from the same period last year. The 740i xDrive accounted for over half of all sales, leading the lineup with 1,512 sold, marking 40.8 percent year-on-year growth. The diesel variant, 740d xDrive, also recorded a 36.2 percent increase with 831 sold. BMW's performance further extended across its large luxury model lineup, which includes the full-size sport utility vehicles X7 and XM, the 8 Series coupe and M8 sedan models. The brand sold 5,776 vehicles in this segment during the first six months of this year, up 21.4 percent from 4,758 last year. The X7 alone posted sales of 2,421, a 21.5 percent increase year-over-year, demonstrating BMW's dominance in the large luxury SUV category with a total of 2,578 SUVs sold. South Korea continues to be a crucial market for BMW globally, ranking third in 7 series and overall luxury class sales. BMW Korea said that the market's alignment with BMW's values of innovation, luxury and personalization makes it one of the brand's most strategic regions worldwide. One key factor behind this success is the rise of tech-savvy middle-aged consumers in Korea who seek both advanced digital features and sophisticated design. The 7 Series addresses this demand with features like a 31.3-inch display in the rear, supporting streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube, as well as HDMI input for external content. Additional highlights include the 4D Bowers & Wilkins sound system, the Executive Lounge seating package and Executive Drive Pro for maximum ride comfort. BMW also offers a wide range of power trains under its Power of Choice strategy, including gasoline (740i), diesel (740d), plug-in hybrid (750e xDrive) and fully electric models (i7, i7 M70 xDrive). To further enhance exclusivity, the company operates the BMW Individual program for top-tier models like the 750e xDrive, i7 xDrive60 and i7 M70 xDrive. Customers can choose from over 22,000 combinations across exterior design, colors, trim lines and interior materials. Moreover, the BMW Excellence Club ㅡ a premium ownership program ㅡ plays a vital role in driving customer loyalty by offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as VIP access to the Cannes Film Festival and the Ryder Cup golf tournament. Additional benefits include priority invitations to BMW-sponsored concerts, events and the BMW Ladies Championship, Korea's only LPGA tournament. "Through a continued focus on tailored benefits and premium services, BMW Korea is committed to redefining luxury mobility experiences and reinforcing its leadership in the domestic market," a company official said.

BMW 5 Series sells over 10,000 cars in Korea in H1
BMW 5 Series sells over 10,000 cars in Korea in H1

Korea Herald

time07-07-2025

  • Korea Herald

BMW 5 Series sells over 10,000 cars in Korea in H1

BMW Korea, the subsidiary of the Germany-based luxury vehicle manufacturer, announced Monday that its flagship premium sedan, the 5 Series, had sold more than 10,000 vehicles cumulatively for the first half of 2025. The model recorded 12,786 units sold from January to June, marking a 15 percent increase from the same period last year. The 5 Series continues to show strong demand in the Korean market, offering robust standard features on entry-level trims, alongside a broad range of power train options. These include the plug-in hybrid 530e xDrive, the high-performance 550e xDrive and the fully electric four-wheel drive i5 xDrive40. Since its eighth-generation debut in Korea in 2023, the lineup has expanded to 10 power train configurations. Leading sales was the BMW 520i, which sold 7,116. The model comes standard equipped with popular features such as adaptive light-emitting diode headlights with high-beam assist, BMW's curved display, a heads-up display and 19-inch wheels. It also includes advanced driver-assistance systems like active cruise control with Stop & Go and lane-keeping assist. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle models such as the BMW 530e and 550e xDrive are also gaining traction. The 530e, with a combined output of 299 horsepower and a range of up to 73 kilometers on electric power alone, sold 1,512 vehicles. The high-performance 550e xDrive delivers 489 horsepower and can operate for 62 kilometers on a single charge. Meanwhile, the fully electric i5 sedan posted strong results with 828 sold, the most among electric models in its segment.

Volvo's XC40 tops rivals in H1 sales as limited editions fuel demand
Volvo's XC40 tops rivals in H1 sales as limited editions fuel demand

Korea Herald

time20-06-2025

  • Korea Herald

Volvo's XC40 tops rivals in H1 sales as limited editions fuel demand

Volvo's compact sport utility vehicle, the XC40, topped sales in its segment for the first half of this year, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association on Friday. The XC40 sold 1,105 units between January and May, outpacing strong competitors such as the BMW X1 (1,063 units), MINI Countryman (716 units) and Audi Q3 (475 units). Since its global debut in 2017, the XC40 has consistently been a bestseller, particularly in Europe, where it has led the premium compact SUV segment for four consecutive years since 2020. It was also named the 2018 European Car of the Year. Despite being Volvo's entry-level SUV, the XC40 features flagship-level specifications. It comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems such as Pilot Assist, as well as high-end interior elements including Driftwood inlays, a crystal gear shift knob by Swedish brand Orrefors and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The model also includes an integrated Tmap infotainment system tailored for Korean consumers. Volvo Car Korea has further enhanced the customer experience with a five-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty, complimentary consumables replacement, 15 years of free over-the-air updates, and a five-year 5G digital package. Priced at 54.9 million ($40,100), the top Ultimate trim offers a more affordable option compared to its overseas counterparts, including the US and UK, up to 29 million won cheaper. Online-exclusive editions have also amplified the model's appeal. The 100 units of the latest XC40 Black Edition sold out within just 15 minutes of its release on Tuesday. Earlier limited editions, such as the Sage Green and Dark Editions, also sold out within minutes of launch. Volvo Car Korea has maintained its position as the top importer since January, with consistent monthly sales of over 1,000 units, competing closely with Tesla, Lexus and Porsche in the best-selling segment of the Korean import car market.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store