Minister Ahn Dukgeun:
"Let's Join Forces with the Government to Write a New Chapter in the Automobile Industry"
The government presented awards to 34 individuals who have contributed to the development of the Korean automobile industry at the ceremony commemorating the 22nd Automobile Day.
The Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA) and the Korea Automobile Industry Cooperative Association (KAICA) jointly held the 22nd Automobile Day commemorative event on May 14 at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul. This year marks not only the 22nd anniversary of Automobile Day, but also the 70th anniversary of the Korean automobile industry. The event was attended by more than 250 people, including Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun, award recipients, and industry representatives.
The government awarded the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit to Sohn Juhwan, CEO of Safety Industry, and the Bronze Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit to Park Chanyoung, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor Company. In total, 14 government awards were presented (2 Orders of Industrial Service Merit, 3 Industrial Service Medals, 4 Presidential Citations, and 5 Prime Minister Citations), along with 20 Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Citations.
Sohn, CEO of Safety Industry and recipient of the Silver Tower Order, was recognized for localizing hollow valves for hybrid vehicles for the first time in Korea, achieving annual exports exceeding 100 billion won. Park, Executive Vice President and recipient of the Bronze Tower Order, was acknowledged for developing alternative components during the automotive semiconductor supply shortage, thereby contributing to the stabilization of key parts supply.
Minister Ahn stated, "The current status of Korea's automobile industry is thanks to the dedicated efforts of those who have contributed to its development over many years," and emphasized, "If businesses and the government work together to address the challenges we face, we can write a new chapter in the future of the automobile industry."
Kang Namhoon, Chairman of KAMA, also remarked, "There is a need for bold policy support, such as temporary expansion of subsidies for electric vehicles, increased tax benefits for future car investments, systematic training of professionals in AI and software fields, and institutional reforms to secure labor flexibility and build cooperative labor-management relations for sustainable growth."
He continued, "Our industry will lead the era of future mobility based on accumulated technological capabilities, secure core technologies such as eco-friendly vehicles and autonomous driving through innovation and investment, and strengthen global competitiveness." He also requested, "We ask the government to actively support the innovation and growth of the automobile industry by easing regulations, expanding investment support, and building infrastructure for future vehicles."
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