1 of 2 | (L-R) Chery Automobile Co. president Zhang Guibing, Chery Group Chairman Yin Tongyue, KG Mobility Group chairman Kwak Jea-sun, and KG Mobility Corp. chief Hwang Ki-young attend a press conference to sign a strategic investment agreement between the two companies in Seoul, South Korea, 02 August 2026. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
Aug. 3 (Asia Today) -- South Korea is emerging as a potential production and export base for Chinese automakers facing intense competition at home and higher trade barriers in the United States and Europe.
Chinese companies are increasingly turning to investments, joint development and local production partnerships rather than relying solely on exports or acquisitions of overseas brands.
Chery Automobile has made a strategic investment in South Korean automaker KG Mobility, while Geely has used its partnership with Renault Korea to produce vehicles for global markets.
Industry officials said Monday that the partnerships could allow Chinese automakers to use South Korea's manufacturing infrastructure, engineering capabilities and international sales networks while reducing the cost and time required to enter overseas markets.
