Gang Nam-hoon, New Chairman of the Car Industry Association, Inaugurated: "A Major Transformation in 100 Years... Will Focus on Presenting Vision"

IRA and Future Mobility Transition Among Key Responsibilities

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Kang Nam-hoon, the full-time vice chairman of the Private LNG Industry Association, has been inaugurated as the 18th president of the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA). President Kang urged various stakeholders to cooperate in overcoming the immediate challenge posed by the United States' Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and in the transition to future mobility.

The Automobile Manufacturers Association held the inauguration ceremony for President Kang on the 18th at the Automobile Hall.

In his inaugural speech, President Kang stated, "The automotive industry is currently undergoing a major transformation not seen in 100 years," diagnosing that "with technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and connected technologies, the industry is expanding from traditional manufacturing to service sectors, facing various challenges and difficulties."

He continued, "During this period of change and challenge, we must not only resolve the immediate difficulties faced by member companies but also actively respond to and represent the current issues of the automotive industry," emphasizing, "Furthermore, we must strive to lead our industry with a proactive and preemptive mindset and play the role of a leader presenting the vision for the future mobility era."

President Kang faces considerable challenges. First, regarding the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, the Automobile Manufacturers Association has consistently represented the industry's position by sending letters to the U.S. side. With the U.S. midterm elections scheduled for next month and the enforcement decree related to the Inflation Reduction Act currently being prepared, there are calls for the association to raise a more active voice.

Additionally, strengthening the association's role in the era of transition to future vehicles is also a task. In particular, President Kang, an energy expert, is regarded as a suitable figure during the period of automotive energy transition from internal combustion engines to electric and hydrogen vehicles.

President Kang entered public service by passing the 26th Administrative Examination and graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in International Economics, the Graduate School of Public Administration at Seoul National University, and the University of Michigan Graduate School (Ph.D. in Economics). He has held key positions such as Director of Industrial Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Energy Policy Officer at the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Chairman of the Korea Industrial Complex Corporation, and Chairman of the Korea Energy Agency. He also served as the Presidential Secretary for Knowledge Economy from 2011 to early 2013 during President Lee Myung-bak's administration.

President Kang will serve the remainder of former President Jeong Manki's term until the end of this year and will begin his official three-year term starting January next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.