Anchor: The U.S.’ number one electric vehicle maker, Tesla Motors, has opened its first store in South Korea. Tesla is expected to face heated competition as South Korea’s electric car market is growing rapidly and as carmakers, both domestic and foreign, are set to unveil a wide array of electric vehicle models.
Our Bae Joo-yon has more.
 
Report: Tesla Motors, which took the world by storm with its sports car-like design and features, has landed in South Korea.
 
Tesla opened its first store on Wednesday in Hanam in Gyeonggi Province.
 
The U.S. carmaker’s 90D version of the Model S sedan obtained certifications from the Environment Ministry. It takes at least 14 hours to fully charge the model which can cover 378 kilometers once charged.
 
Other automakers are also seeking to create an impression in South Korea’s electric car market.
 
Professor Kim Pil-soo at Daelim University College's Automotive Engineering Department says the entry of the American electric car has created a whole new competition.
 
[Soundbite: Kim Pil-soo – Professor, Daelim University College's Automotive Engineering Department (Korean)]
“Tesla’s entry signifies the beginning of possibility for electric cars in South Korea’s market. I think the number of electric car drivers will gradually increase to reach a significant level in five years.”
 
Hyundai Motor plans to improve the functions of its eco-friendly vehicle, Ioniq, and expand its production. Ioniq is currently the number one electric car model in the country.
 
GM Korea Company plans to launch its Volt model in the first half of the year.
 
In the U.S. and China, electric vehicles make up more than one percent of total automobiles. However, in South Korea, that percentage only stands at two-tenths of a percent.
 
With the release of new electric cars, South Korea is expected to see competition heat up in its electric car market.  
Bae Joo-yon, KBS World Radio News.