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Agricultural Machinery

December 17, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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[INQ. NO. 2512M02] Founded in 1987 as Korea’s first specialized agricultural machinery manufacturer, KUMYONG Co., Ltd. has grown in step with the gradual modernization of agriculture in Korea by improving agricultural productivity through the development and supply of economical agricultural machinery.

Multi-Sprayer
KUMYONG’s advanced multi-sprayer MD1000RAW-4 features a full wireless control system that enables operation and control of the entire machine, including engine startup.
It has a spraying unit with 180° continuous turning technology. The upward spraying feature optimized for pest control of street trees and forest trees (Volcan).
Adjustable for all tractors, the equipment’s capacity of chemical tank is 1000L. Weighing 420kg, it has dimensions of 1635 cm x 2100 cm x 1700 cm. The spray distance is 35m for fertilizer, 30m for pesticides. The spraying rate is 100L/min.

Liquid Fertilizer Sprayer
KUMYONG’s liquid fertilizer sprayer is a product that enables fertilizer spraying while visually checking the amount and distance.
The high-pressure sprayer (100A~150A) can spray from a distance of 30 to 40 meters. The sprayer is equipped with three individually lockable nozzles and a front boom sprayer. The rear angle is adjustable (up 70 degrees, down 20 degrees).
KUMYONG has perfected its quality-assurance system, covering the entire process of production, from product design to customer service. As a result of striving to develop economical and practical agricultural machinery that is optimized for the domestic agricultural environment, KUMYONG succeeded in developing a specialized mist duster that garners the world’s highest level of production and sales, which is designed for a wide range of applications by attaching different accessories to one main body engine.
KUMYONG has provided its products directly to Korean government offices, the military, and a national park.

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Record-breaking Exports Visible

December 17, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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This year’s exports by Korea are expected to achieve the best performance ever based upon the fact that its exports have been positive for six consecutive months since the new administration took office, reaching $640.2 billion through November — despite a challenging trade environment, including U.S. tariffs, and rising oil prices.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), the nation’s exports reached $640.2 billion through November, marking the highest performance ever. This is $11.5 billion higher than the second-highest figure of $628.7 billion recorded in 2022.

This year, the nation’s exports are being driven by the strong competitiveness of key manufacturing industries such as semiconductors, automobiles, ships, and bio, as well as the defense industry. With the global spread of the Korean Wave, Korean consumer goods such as K-food and beauty products are also showing strong performance.
Export markets have diversified beyond their focus on the USA and China, encompassing ASEAN, the EU, and other regions. The number of SMEs exporting reached a record high of 89,000 in the third quarter, with SME exports reaching a record high of $87.1 billion.

Despite the uncertainty stemming from the United States, semiconductors were a major factor in this year’s improved export performance.
Automobile exports also recorded robust performance, rising 13.7% year-on-year. Exports of wireless communication devices and secondary batteries also improved by 1.6% and 2.2%, respectively, during the same period.
With an aim to elevate their sustainable global leadership, Korea’s promising and global- leading companies are ceaselessly making creative efforts to develop and release competitive new items, which are expected to capture keen attention in global markets. Korean companies are strategically eying these global target markets to accomplish their export volume in the New Year — boosted by this year’s excellent performance, despite the increasingly tough market environments.

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Kia’s PV5 to Target Japan’s EV Van Market

November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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[INQ. NO. 2511M10] Kia is making a full-scale foray into the Japanese market with the PV5. It will serve as a vanguard in realizing Kia’s vision of providing sustainable mobility solutions.
Kia unveiled the PV5 for the first time in Japan at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show held at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan, and announced its planned entry into the Japanese EV van market in 2026.
Kia has decided to enter the Japanese market with the PBV, as demand for EV vans is expected to increase in line with the Japanese government’s carbon neutrality policy of increasing electric vehicle sales to 30% of new car sales by 2030.
Kia’s entry into the Japanese market is part of Kia’s plan to expand its PBV business globally. The PV5 is currently available in South Korea and Europe, and its sales are expected to continue expanding to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, including Japan, by 2026.
This strategy, spearheaded by the PV5 model, is expected to establish a differentiated position from existing global automakers in Japan. Furthermore, based on its dedicated platform-based EV technology and customer-centric management philosophy, Kia is expected to present a realistic solution to the carbon-reduction challenges facing Japanese society.
Last year, Kia signed a local sales agreement with Sojitz, a leading Japanese general trading company, to enter the Japanese PBV market.

The PV5, which will go on sale in Japan starting in 2026, is based on the dedicated PBV platform E-GMP.S, and features a spacious interior and dedicated software solutions ― making it ideal for the diverse business environments faced by Japanese customers.
Kia thus plans to gradually expand its PBV business in the Japanese market, and establish itself as a global brand that grows alongside Japanese society.
In particular, a Kia spokesperson emphasized that the PV5 not only offers an excellent alternative in Japan’s limited electric commercial vehicle market, but also addresses social issues such as increased logistics, labor shortages, and regional transportation gaps.
The PV5 features a customized vehicle architecture and a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge technologies designed to cope with the diverse business environments and lifestyles of Japanese customers.
The flexible body system is a PBV-specific technology that modularizes key components such as the body, doors, and tailgate, thus enabling flexible responses to diverse customer needs. By assembling the necessary modules like a puzzle, the system can be expanded to up to 16 body configurations.
Furthermore, the PV5 offers an optimized mobility solution based on its robust EV performance. Utilizing the PV5’s EV-specific features ― Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) ― it can be used as an emergency power source, even in disaster situations such as earthquakes.
Notably, the PV5 boasts an outstanding radius rotation of 5.5 meters, based on its 4,695mm length and 1,895mm width, enabling efficient and convenient driving even on Japan’s narrow roads.


 
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Kia Unveils the ‘All-in-One Display 2’

November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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A taxi-specific option based on the PV5
[INQ. NO. 2511M09] The All-in-One Display 2 is an exclusive option for the PV5 taxi, integrating essential taxi functions, including the taxi driver app (Kakao T), navigation app (Kakao Navi), and meter app (T-money Mobility, Joy of Travel), into a 12.9-inch large display.
This integration enhances operational efficiency by integrating key taxi functions, previously operated on separate devices, into a single, intuitive screen. Drivers can now accept call cards using a single steering wheel button, and, when using the Hi-Pass system, automatically calculate fares to simplify payment, offering enhanced convenience to both customers and drivers.
Furthermore, several features have been improved compared to the ‘All-in-One Display 1’ option available on the existing Niro Plus taxi. Kia Connect and navigation-based advanced driving assistance features can be used just like in regular vehicles, and driver convenience can be customized by directly controlling the App Meter screen on the display.
This All-in-One Display 2 is significant in that it marks the first time Kia has developed an application (app) for a PBV-specific infotainment system, based on its customer-centric PBV business philosophy, and through collaboration with external software partners.
A spokesperson for the company remarked, “With the launch of All-in-One Display 2, we aim to provide drivers with the optimal mobility experience. We plan to continue to introduce innovative and practical customized solutions for diverse industries, including not only taxis but also logistics and small businesses, to realize our SDV vision and proactively respond to the changing future mobility market.”
In addition, the PV5 taxi, launched in June, is equipped with a 71.2kWh battery and has a single-charge driving range of 358km. It also provides a practical taxi driving environment through various convenient features such as a protection mat, type C USB terminal on the first-row seatback, a footrest on the lower part of the first-row seatback, second-row sliding door, and PBV-exclusive infotainment system.


 
 
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Why Global EV Partners Choose SK Signet: Powering the Future of Ultra-Fast Charging

November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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Transforming from a Hardware Manufacturer into a Comprehensive EV Charging Solutions Provider

[INQ. NO. 2511M08] Leveraging its accumulated technological expertise and global market experience, SK Signet is evolving into a turnkey (one-stop) charging solution provider that covers a wide range of processes – from design and installation to commissioning, maintenance, and data-driven operations.
Looking ahead, SK Signet plans to establish a customized and integrated service system and implement an intelligent end-to-end operational model. This model will encompass the full spectrum of services, from consulting on charging-infrastructure development, to predictive maintenance through close collaboration with key stakeholders such as charge-point operators (CPOs), vehicle OEMs, fleet operators, and real estate developers.
‘Quality First’ serves as SK Signet’s core management principle. The company ensures reliability and stability across all product lines by maintaining an innovative quality system aimed at achieving Zero Defect (0%). By capitalizing on its technological strength and integrated service capabilities, SK Signet remains committed to leading the way in quality and innovation across the entire EV-charging ecosystem.

Empowering Success through Collaboration with OEMs and Operators Worldwide
Since entering the U.S. market in 2018 after being awarded a large-scale charging-infrastructure project, SK Signet has steadily expanded its market presence through its swift responsiveness and differentiated technological competitiveness. As of September 2025, the company has secured approximately 226 sites – over 20% of the total of 1,157 NEVI program sites – establishing itself as a leading player in the ultra-fast charger market.
Collaboration with CPOs has been key to gaining leadership in the NEVI market. Through strategic partnerships with major CPOs, SK Signet has successfully executed large-scale projects and strengthened market confidence.
SK Signet is actively pursuing new global partnerships to drive the continued expansion of ultra-fast charging infrastructure. The company will continue to broaden its reliable ultra-fast charging infrastructure through close collaboration with global OEMs and operators.

Targeting the Global Market: High-Volume Manufacturing and Rapid Deployment Capabilities
SK Signet has built an annual production capacity of over 20,000 units across Korea and the United States – including the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility completed in Plano, Texas, in 2023. This robust manufacturing base enables the company to respond swiftly and reliably to the growing global demand for EV chargers.

In addition, SK Signet’s R&D and technical support centers in Korea and the United States enhance localized production and deliver tailored engineering services with prompt technical support – helping customers to achieve optimized solutions and greater operational efficiency.
SK Signet’s global manufacturing and supply network, together with its localized technical support capabilities, serves as a key competitive advantage – facilitating the development of reliable and sustainable EV charging infrastructure that goes beyond simple product supply.

Beyond Hardware: Transforming EV Charging with Intelligent Software
SK Signet is advancing its AI-based charger monitoring and predictive maintenance systems to minimize downtime and maximize operation efficiency. The company’s proprietary Charger Integrated Support System (CISS) enables real-time diagnostics and remote updates, allowing it to predict potential failures in advance and perform corrective actions when necessary.
Building on these capabilities, SK Signet is further enhancing its AI functionality to integrate charger operation data and user behavior patterns. This advancement will enable the company to establish optimized operational strategies for each charging station, while improving energy utilization and equipment performance.


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Ultra-fast EV Charging Solutions

November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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[INQ. NO. 2511M07] SK Signet America Inc. is a global electric vehicle (EV) charger manufacturer, and a market leader in the ultra-fast charging industry in the United States.
Recognized as the top-ranked manufacturer in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) ― and supported by $5 billion in federal incentive initiatives, SK Signet America has earned industry-wide trust through its world-class technological excellence and high-volume manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
As a ‘Total Solution Provider for EV charging,’ SK Signet America is committed to shaping a more sustainable future by integrating clean energy with next-generation mobility.

V2 Distributed Charging System

If you are seeking a reliable and efficient charging infrastructure for your business, the V2 Distributed System is the ideal solution for site owners and charge point operators looking to attract more EV drivers and maximize profitability through 400kW ultra-fast charging and government grant programs.

Maximum 600kW Output Enabling Simultaneous Charging for Four Vehicles
The V2 Distributed System is a cutting-edge fast-charging solution that combines a 600kW power cabinet with dispensers equipped with 500A dual liquid-cooled cables, enabling simultaneous charging for up to four electric vehicles. Each charging port supports a maximum output of 400kW, and when multiple vehicles are charging concurrently, this proprietary Active Power-sharing technology dynamically distributes power in 50kW increments, thereby ensuring optimal efficiency based on each vehicle’s real-time charging demand.


 
 
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EV Powered by Samsung SDI Battery Sets Guinness World Record for Longest Journey on a Single Charge

November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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[INQ. NO. 2511M06] Samsung SDI recently announced that an electric vehicle (EV) powered by its 21700 cylindrical batteries has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest journey by an electric car on a single charge.
The award-winning Lucid Air Grand Touring, designed and made by Lucid, the U.S.-based technology company and maker of the world’s most advanced EVs, broke the world record for the longest distance driven on a single charge.
The Lucid Air Grand Touring was driven 1,205 kilometers (749 miles) in its July 2025 record-breaking journey between St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Munich, Germany, which included alpine roads, highways, and secondary roads.

Lucid exceeded by 160 kilometers the previous record for the longest journey of 1,045 kilometers set in June. This milestone was achieved through the synergy across Samsung SDI’s cutting-edge battery technology combined with Lucid’s in-house powertrain platform, outstanding design, and engineering.
Lucid Air Grand Touring is the longest-range variant of Lucid’s flagship sedan. In addition to its industry-leading driving range, the high-performance EV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 3.2 seconds to, delivers up to 831 horsepower, and can reach a top speed of 270 km/h. The battery pack can gain up to 400 kilometers of range within just 16 minutes due to its advanced battery cell, pack, and ultra-fast charging architecture.
Samsung SDI and Lucid have been collaborating since 2016, as the EV company developed, and later launched the Lucid Air Dream Edition and subsequent Lucid models.

“With Samsung SDI’s cylindrical battery powering the world’s longest-range vehicle, we have proven our technological prowess,” remarked a Samsung SDI spokesperson, adding, “We will strengthen our partnership with Lucid to expand our global market share and accelerate the development of products that combine differentiated performance and safety.”
Founded in 2016, Lucid is advancing state-of-the-art EV technology for the benefit of all. The award-winning Lucid Air and new Lucid Gravity deliver best-in-class performance, sophisticated design, expansive interior space and unrivaled energy efficiency. Lucid assembles both vehicles in its cutting-edge, vertically integrated factory in Arizona.


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Samsung SDI to Collaborate on an All-Solid-State Battery Project

November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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[INQ. NO. 2511M05] Samsung SDI announced recently that it had signed a trilateral agreement with Germany’s premium manufacturer, the BMW Group, and U.S. battery technology company Solid Power, to collaborate on an all-solid-state battery validation project.
Under this arrangement, Samsung SDI will supply ASSB cells, featuring both enhanced energy density and safety, by utilizing the solid electrolyte developed by Solid Power, a leading all-solid-state battery technology company, based in the United States. BMW will develop modules and packs for ASSB cells. The three partners aim to evaluate the performance of ASSB cells based on the agreed parameters and requirements, and to integrate them into BMW’s next-generation evaluation vehicles.
ASSB cells use solid electrolyte instead of liquid electrolyte found in conventional lithium-ion batteries. They offer superior safety and can achieve higher energy density compared with conventional batteries, enabling EVs to drive longer ranges without having to accept disadvantages in terms of weight of the overall storage system.
The collaboration is significant in that these three specialized companies have established a practical collaboration system and a model for global value chains for ASSB cells, aiming to pave the way for their commercialization by bringing together their complementary expertise in cells manufacturing, automaking, and materials development.
BMW has selected Samsung SDI as a partner, considering its long-standing trust in the battery maker built through a years-long partnership, as viewed by industry observers. Also, known as the front-runner in the all-solid-state battery territory, Samsung SDI is recognized for its technological prowess in the whole new battery field.
The upcoming collaboration will draw industry attention as the long-running partnership between Samsung SDI and BMW expands into a new era.
Samsung SDI and BMW have maintained a collaborative relationship since 2009 when the German automotive group chose the Korean battery supplier.
“Technological competitiveness in batteries will ultimately lead to innovation in electric vehicles,” explained Stella Joo-Young Go, Executive Vice President of the ASSB Commercialization Team at Samsung SDI. “So, Samsung SDI will work closely with great global partners like BMW and Solid Power to take the lead in commercializing ASSB.”
Martin Schuster, Vice President Battery Cell and Cell Module at the BMW Group elaborated further by saying, “With Samsung SDI joining our partnership with Solid Power, we gain significant momentum on our path toward advancing the development of new battery cell technologies,” adding. “This global collaboration is further proof of our ultimate goal: to be always in a position to offer our customers state-of-the-art battery technology.”
John Van Scoter, President and CEO of Solid Power added, “We are excited to partner with Samsung SDI and BMW to advance the development of all-solid-state batteries. Our solid electrolyte technology is designed for stability and conductivity, and by working closely with global leaders in automotive and battery innovation, we strive to bring ASSB technology closer to widespread adoption.”
Samsung SDI has been making constant efforts to strengthen its technological prowess for commercialization of ASSB cells.
In March 2023, Samsung SDI established a pilot line at the Suwon R&D Center in South Korea, the first of its kind in the country, and began producing prototypes at the end of 2023. Sample tests are currently underway in collaboration with multiple customers.
Samsung SDI has been working to boost battery capacity year-after-year through cell enlargement, and to complete tasks to set up manufacturing processes and supply chains for commercialization.
As expectations run high for wide adoption of ASSBs, not only for EVs, but also for robots and other new applications, Samsung SDI is in talks with potential customers. and intensifying its efforts to commercialize ASSB cells.


 
 
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LG Energy Solution and GM to Pioneer LMR Battery Cell Technology

November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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[INQ. NO. 2511M04] In a new battery technology breakthrough, General Motors and LG Energy Solution will commercialize lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells for future GM electric trucks and full-size SUVs. This builds on a partnership established between the two companies to develop prismatic battery cell technology and related chemistries. It is also backed by GM’s long legacy of American ingenuity that has produced innovations like the small-block V8 engine, OnStar connected vehicle services, and hands-free Super Cruise.
GM aims to become the first automaker to deploy LMR batteries in EVs. Ultium Cells, a GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture, plans to start commercial production of LMR prismatic cells in the United States by 2028. Pre-production is expected to begin at an LG Energy Solution facility by late 2027. The final production-design of these LMR battery cells will be validated at GM’s Battery Cell Development Center in Warren, Michigan, which is expected to open earlier that year, as well as LG Energy Solution’s facility.
Battery cathodes require materials like cobalt, nickel and manganese ― with cobalt being the most expensive. LMR battery cells use a higher proportion of more affordable manganese, while also delivering greater capacity and energy density.
Battery engineers at GM and LG Energy Solution have developed a new LMR prismatic battery cell at a comparable cost that delivers 33% higher energy density compared to the best-performing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) based cells.
GM’s electric truck platform is a segment-leading range using high-nickel chemistry today. By integrating LMR battery technology and the manufacturing- and space-efficiency benefits of prismatic cells, GM aims to offer more than 400 miles (643.7km) of range for electric trucks, while achieving significant battery pack cost-savings compared to today’s high-nickel pack.

“We’re pioneering manganese-rich battery technology to unlock premium range and performance at an affordable cost, especially in electric trucks,” explained Kurt Kelty, VP of Battery, Propulsion, and Sustainability at GM, adding, “As we look to engineer the ideal battery for each vehicle in our diverse EV portfolio, LMR will complement our high-nickel and iron-phosphate solutions to expand customer choice in the truck and full-size SUV markets, advance American battery innovation, and create jobs well into the future.”
“We’re excited to introduce the first-ever LMR prismatic cells for EVs, the culmination of our decades-long research and investment in the technology,” remarked Wonjoon Suh, Executive VP and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution, adding, “GM’s future trucks powered by this new chemistry are a strong example of our shared commitment to offering diverse EV options to consumers.”
GM began researching manganese-rich lithium-ion battery cells in 2015, and accelerating this technology development by prototyping LMR cells at its Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Warren. In collaboration with partners, GM engineers advanced cathode materials, electrolytes, additives, form factors, and cell assembly processes to overcome LMR’s legacy challenges in performance and durability.
LG Energy Solution holds the largest LMR technology IP portfolio globally, having secured over 200 patents in this technology field. Its expertise reflects extensive research, with its first patent on LMR chemistry dating back to 2010.
LMR battery technology integrates into GM’s battery supply chain and cell manufacturing processes, reinforcing strategic investments in domestic battery production ― and the responsible sourcing of critical materials like lithium, graphite, and manganese from North America.


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LG Energy Solution’s Battery-Life Solution Receives CES 2026 Innovation Award

November 27, 2025 by Leave a Comment
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[INQ. NO. 2511M03] LG Energy Solution announced today that its integrated battery life management solution, Better.Re, has been named an honoree in the Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility category at the upcoming CES 2026 Innovation Awards. This marks the first time a battery company has earned this recognition purely through software technology.
Designed to maximize battery lifecycle and lower repair and replacement costs, the solution is expected to almost double the lifespan of mobility batteries.
Better.Re collects data on users’ driving, charging, and parking habits, assesses battery management against 16 key battery-aging factors, and provides personalized behavioral guidance via a dedicated app. The app’s user-friendly interface uses clear visual indicators to make battery health easier to understand, enabling more informed decisions. In addition, a reward system and certification program encourage continued use. Internal analysis suggests the solution could double the duration that an EV battery’s State of Health Capacity (SOHC), or the proportion of total expected life, is maintained at 98%, from 1.5 years to 3 years.
In certain controllable environments, such as Battery Swapping Stations (BSS), Better.Re applies proactive charging control when anomalies are predicted, in order to prevent battery degradation. According to LG Energy Solution’s internal analysis, the technology is expected to double the time from 5 years to 10 years before the SOHC of electric two-wheeler batteries drops below 70%.
As electrification expands, predicting and optimizing battery life is becoming increasingly critical, driving growth in the Battery as a Service (BaaS) market, which focuses on battery utilization across the entire product lifecycle. Better.Re provides machine learning-based prediction, anomaly detection, and safety control, establishing a cornerstone for BaaS business models — including warranty, insurance, swapping, leasing, and resale.
“This CES Innovation Award is a testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation,” explained Dal Hoon Lee, BMS R&D Group Leader at LG Energy Solution, adding, “We will continue to strengthen the competitiveness of our BaaS business with advanced technologies that effectively conduct safety diagnosis and manage battery degradation, further cementing our foothold in the energy industry.”

 
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