The auto industry, the mainstay of exports, is on the brink of collapse... A control tower is needed - South Korean media

In recent years, there has been fierce competition among global automakers in areas such as electrification, software-upgradable vehicles (SDVs), and self-driving cars equipped with AI.
Due to pressure, a 15% tariff on automobile exports to the US has become the "new normal." In a time of great change and crisis, the automobile industry, which is Korea's main export item, needs to be supported by policies.
The key word that comes up whenever automobile industry policy is discussed is "control tower." Since the global financial crisis in 2009, countries with automobile industries have
Each country has strengthened its industrial policy from its control tower. However, unfortunately, the Korean government's automobile industry policy is lagging behind that of its rival countries.
The Automotive Industry Development Committee, South Korea's first joint public-private initiative aimed at getting ahead of the automobile market, was abandoned as time passed and the government changed without any significant results.
Looking at examples from other countries, in 2009, the US government strategically forced General Motors (GM) into bankruptcy, which had fallen into financial difficulties, and launched the "New GM" the next day.
With the "transition to the car of the future," GM once again became a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles, a government decision that transformed a loss-making company into an innovator.
China, supported by a strong policy to promote electric vehicles, is either overtaking the United States in this field or narrowing the gap in competitiveness.
BYD, a Chinese automaker, is rapidly dominating the global electric vehicle market with its low prices and competitive quality. While Tesla's European sales fell sharply by 40% in July, BYD's sales increased by 225%.
Recently, the Ministry of Science, ICT and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy decided to cooperate in fostering the AI industry. In this way, the automobile industry will also be a joint task force in which all related ministries can cooperate.
Only a policy of "selection and concentration" that brings together the strengths of the dwindling global automobile market and various sectors can ensure the competitiveness of the Korean automobile industry.
Deaf.