News
Foreign car companies in Korea are paying great attention to the ongoing Volkswagen scandal and its repercussions.
German brands that have enjoyed rapid growth in the Korean car market based on the popularity of their diesel cars are particularly concerned over the current situation that has led to a significant loss of trust.
According to industry sources, they have been exchanging information and news since the outbreak of the scandal, while keeping their eyes on sales records. BMW and Mercedes Benz as well as Audi and Volkswagen are wary of the possibility that Korean consumers could turn their backs on diesel.
Meanwhile, Japanese automakers including Toyota, which is struggling to beat the German carmakers in Korea, are anticipating that this can be an opportunity for them to turn the tables. Toyota used to dominate the domestic imported car market in the early 2000s with its fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles, but it currently takes fifth place in the Korean market, overtaken by the German diesel cars that provide a high level of fuel economy as well. Nissan, which produces the pure electric car Leaf, is another company that is expected to be able to take advantage of the situation.