Jung Eui-sun Meets Slovakian Prime Minister to Request Support for Busan Expo

Visited European Production Hub Countries in Succession, Urging Support for Hosting World Expo
Sharing Experience in Electric Vehicle Supply and Charging Infrastructure Construction... Interest in Electrification Transition

On the 28th (local time), at the Prime Minister's Office in Bratislava, Slovakia, Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group (right in the photo), met with Eduard Heger, Prime Minister of Slovakia, to request support for hosting the World Expo in Busan.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun met with Eduard Heger, Prime Minister of Slovakia, on the 28th (local time) and requested support for the hosting of the World Expo in Busan, the company announced on the 30th. After visiting the Czech Republic, he immediately moved to Slovakia to promote the Expo bid and examined electrification plans for the local factory.

The meeting was attended by key Slovak government officials including Peter Schwecz, Deputy Minister of Economy; Andrej Stan??k, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Elena Koh?tikov?, Chairperson of the Prime Minister's Advisory Committee. Chairman Chung said, "Korea, as a smart innovation powerhouse, possesses technological leadership and capabilities to provide solutions to crises humanity faces, such as climate change."

He added, "The Busan World Expo, under the theme of the great global transformation and a voyage toward a better future, will seek a sustainable future through nature-friendly living and technological innovation, and promote international cooperation."

On the 28th (local time), at the Prime Minister's Office in Bratislava, Slovakia, Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group (center right in the photo), met with Eduard Heger, Prime Minister of Slovakia, and other local government officials to request support for the World Expo and discuss electric vehicle-related business.

Slovakia currently holds the chairmanship of the Visegr?d Group, a regional cooperation organization among four countries: Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. It is also home to the ‘Kia Autoland Slovakia’ plant, a major production base for vehicles sold by Kia in Europe. The plant began operations in December 2006 and has produced a cumulative total of 4 million units as of last year. It manufactures local strategic models such as the Ceed and its derivatives including the compact SUV XCeed and the Sportage.

Discussions were held on electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure development in connection with Slovakia’s eco-friendly vehicle promotion policies. Chairman Chung requested the Slovak government to pay close attention to ensuring the smooth transition of the local plant into one of the electric vehicle production bases. According to the company, automobile production accounts for about half of Slovakia’s total industrial output, highlighting its significance.

Kia’s local plant began mass production of the new Sportage Hybrid in November last year and the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid in February this year. It has also been decided that small and mid-sized electric vehicles to be launched in Europe in 2025 will be manufactured here. Chairman Chung introduced community activities conducted by the Kia Slovakia Foundation and discussed local university-linked educational programs.

On the 28th (local time), at the Prime Minister's Office in Bratislava, Slovakia, Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group (left in the photo), met with Eduard Heger, Prime Minister of Slovakia, to request support for the Busan World Expo.

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