Delving into the North Korean Automotive Industry
North Korea’s homegrown vehicles
Personalized Naming by the Supreme Leader
Amidst its global isolation and widespread economic difficulties, including severe food shortages, North Korea has ventured into car manufacturing. Despite questions around the common citizen’s ability to afford these vehicles or even fuel, it’s understood that these cars are primarily used by the upper stratum of society, including government elites.
Pyeonghwa Motors stands as North Korea’s domestic car producer. Initiated in 1998 as a collaboration between the Koreas and funded by the Unification Church of South Korea, it has been under exclusive North Korean ownership since 2012. Therefore, Pyeonghwa Motors has become a fully North Korean-owned automobile enterprise.
A Symbol of Harmony and Ambitious Promotion Efforts
The Supreme Leader’s Engagement in Vehicle Naming
Pyeonghwa Motors, an automotive brand that ironically translates to “peace” in a nation known for its militaristic posture, adorns its emblem with two doves signifying peace. This symbol reflects the ideal of unifying the divided Korean peninsula. Kim Jong Un has taken a particular interest in Pyeonghwa Motors, considering it an essential player in the nation’s industries, even personally naming the models produced by the company.
Among these, the four-seater sedan ‘Whistle’ stands out. In the North Korean context, the Whistle is both a fashionable car and an enigmatic catchphrase shared among couples. The vehicle has been the subject of an extensive publicity campaign, featuring prominently on billboards throughout Pyongyang and enjoying tax exemptions as part of its promotional support.
Unveiling the Compact Sedan Whistle & the Cuckoo’s Charming Appeal
The Whistle is conceived as a compact four-seater sedan drawing on the design of Italy’s Fiat Siena. Using imported components from Vietnam, its production commenced in 2002 with options for a 1.2-liter or a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, reportedly producing around 500 units until 2006.
Then there is the Cuckoo, inspired by love whispers communicated through birdsong. The Cuckoo was introduced in 2003, modeled after the Fiat Doblo LAV, and powered by a modest four-cylinder gasoline engine, providing 60 horsepower. However, due to its expensive production process and less-than-favorable profitability, its manufacturing ceased after two years.
Celebrated Samcheonri and Pricing of North Korean Cars
Another noteworthy model is the Samcheonri minivan, based on China’s Jinbei Hiace. It’s dubbed Samcheonri after the expansive distance that spans from North Korea’s Hamgyong Province to South Korea’s Jeju Island. Starting production in 2005, the Samcheonri proudly wears the badge of the top-selling vehicle in North Korea by 2010.
The Junma also holds a spot in this line-up. This model descended from the SsangYong Chairman, with a production license acquired and assembled in North Korea between 2007 and 2009. Imagery revealing Pyeonghwa Motors’ stores depict the Samcheonri selling for 630,000 won and the Cuckoo for 1 million to 3.4 million won, depending on the version. This positioned them at roughly 30% below the domestic market price in South Korea, courtesy of North Korea’s minimal labor costs and a focus on the local market.
FAQs about Car Manufacturing and Prices in North Korea
- Who manufactures cars in North Korea?
- Pyeonghwa Motors, a wholly North Korean-owned company since 2012, is the main domestic car manufacturer.
- What is the significance of the names given to North Korean cars by Kim Jong Un?
- The names, such as “Whistle” and “Cuckoo,” are personally chosen by Kim Jong Un and carry cultural nuances, often associated with themes of romance.
- Are North Korean cars affordable for the general population?
- While exact details are scarce, the cars are primarily used by the wealthy elite and governmental officials, suggesting they may not be widely accessible to the average citizen.
- How does North Korea keep car prices lower than in South Korea?
- Lower labor costs and the reduction or exemption of taxes for certain vehicles contribute to the lower prices of cars in North Korea.
Conclusion
The automotive industry in North Korea, symbolized by Pyeonghwa Motors, is a testament to the nation’s aspirations for technological advancement and economic self-reliance despite severe international sanctions and isolation. With the support and personal involvement of the Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un, these vehicles not only fulfill practical transportation needs but also carry deeper symbolic meanings tied to the country’s culture and identity. Due to varied production capacities and limitations, the availability and affordability of these cars remain largely confined to elite circles within the isolated state.