APD | South Korea: Eco-friendly cars to make up 33 percent of newly sold vehicles in 2030

By APD writer Alice

Electric and hydrogen-fuel cell cars will account for 33 percent of newly sold vehicles in South Korea in 2030, according to a recently unveiled blueprint for the eco-friendly car industry.

The blueprint is in line with the country's latest clean energy drive, which centers on utilizing more sustainable resources and less fossil fuel.

South Korea also plans to make its major roads suitable for the operation of self-driving automobiles by 2027.

To realise its goal, the country plans to spend 385.6 billion won (US$326.2 million) on research and development (R&D) projects for auto parts for eco-friendly vehicles, such as electric cars.

The project that will run through 2026 will center on lending hands to small and midsized enterprises, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

Eco-friendly cars made up only 2.6 percent of newly sold cars in South Korea last year.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)