Overview
North Korea is one of the most enigmatic countries in the world and the life of its citizens is a subject of international speculation, particularly when it comes to their transport. Although the regime has made some investments into the automotive infrastructure of the country, the availability, affordability and overall state of the vehicles available are still widely unknown. This article aims to shed light on the reality of North Korean automotive industry by discussing its history, current vehicles, as well as investigating the potential impact of recent sanctions that have been imposed on the country.
History Of North Korean Automotive Industry
The development of North Korea’s automotive industry goes back to the 1970s, when the government first adopted a policy of building and producing national vehicles. Since then, North Korea has been instrumental in the design of various cars, ranging from small compacts to sedans and even 4x4s. Initially, these cars were mostly produced using outdated technology and substandard materials, and were mostly used by the regime and its officials.
In the 1990s, the automotive industry in North Korea shifted to producing domestically-built vehicles that were built to accommodate western standards. The government also allowed several foreign car companies to produce vehicles in the country, although these cars were primarily distributed only to the regime, or reserved for luxury car owners.
Current Vehicles Available In North Korea
Today, the automotive industry in North Korea has experienced a significant growth, with a variety of vehicles available on the market. The most popular and widely used vehicles in the country are mostly locally produced cars, such as the Pyeonghwa Motors Hwiparam, the Changma Changjean, and the Songsan Salute. These cars are all four-door sedans, and feature wide manufacturing diversity, including manual transmission, diesel and hybrid engines, and other amenities.
While some of these vehicles have been designed for local use, others have been specifically designed for export, such as the Pyeonghwa Motors President. This luxury car is a replica of a Lexus LS, and is evidently much more sophisticated and advanced than the other domestically produced cars in North Korea. It is also important to note that the availability of foreign cars in North Korea is incredibly limited, as they are only available to those with sufficient financial means.
Impact of Sanctions
The automotive industry in North Korea has not been immune to the impact of international sanctions and other restrictions imposed on the country. The sanctions have drastically limited the import of foreign vehicles and auto parts, as well as drastically reduced the amount of fuel and fuel additives available in the country.
The restrictions on fuel imports have also led to numerous problems, such as prolonged wait times for vehicles and unpredictable repairs due to the available parts and materials. In addition to this, the sanctions have caused a significant decline in the quality and availability of vehicles, leaving many North Korean citizens with no choice but to stick with outdated cars.
Innovative Manufacturing Practices
Although the restrictions imposed on the country have led to numerous problems for the automotive industry of North Korea, the regime has responded by introducing various innovative manufacturing practices. The government has taken measures to ensure that locally produced vehicles are produced with limited resources, as well as imposing strict regulations on non-indigenous vehicles. In addition to this, the regime has also encouraged the use of electric vehicles as a more sustainable option, allowing citizens to switch over to using electric cars.
The government has also introduced other initiatives such as car-sharing programs, in which citizens can use pre-existing cars instead of owning one of their own. This has helped to reduce the burden on the automotive industry while also providing citizens with a reliable form of transport.
Improving Infrastructure
In recent years, the government of North Korea has invested heavily in improving the country’s automotive infrastructure. Efforts to expand the transportation network throughout the country have been made, particularly in rural areas where roads have been improved and extended to allow for easy travel.
In addition to this, North Korea has embarked on a large-scale program of investing in electric vehicles, as well as renewable energy sources. This has allowed the country to reduce its reliance on traditional fuel sources and also contribute to breaking the country’s dependence on imported vehicles.
Availability Of Cars In North Korea
The availability of cars in North Korea is still largely limited by the sanctions imposed on the country by international entities. However, North Korea is responding to these restrictions by innovating and expanding its automotive infrastructure. This has allowed the country to produce a variety of cars, ranging from luxury to utilitarian, which can be obtained by those with sufficient financial means. Furthermore, the government has invested in developing an automotive infrastructure and also improved access to electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.
Car Ownership in North Korea
The ownership of cars in North Korea is largely restricted to the regime, the wealthy elites and a handful of citizens with access to luxury vehicles. Although the regime has implemented some policies to make cars more affordable, the majority of citizens are still unable to obtain reliable means of transport. Furthermore, car ownership carries a certain prestige in North Korea and it is seen as a symbol of status and power.
Car Culture In North Korea
Despite the relatively limited availability of cars in North Korea, the automotive industry is highly valued by the regime and appears to be integral to North Korean culture. The majority of citizens rely on bicycles, motorcycles and public transport, though North Korea has the highest rate of electric bike ownership in the world.
Alongside this, the regime has enacted various initiatives to boost car ownership and developed a car culture to promote the usage of electric vehicles, while also aiming to reduce emissions and protect the environment. Although the country is still far from achieving western standards, it has undeniably made significant strides in improving its automotive infrastructure.
Unethical Practices In North Korean Automotive Industry
The automotive industry in North Korea has also been marred by numerous unethical practices, including the use of untold resources of citizens for the production of luxury cars. Not only have citizens been illegally required to provide labor to these projects, but the regime has also been known to confiscate vehicles from citizens and turn these into government cars – a practice which has been widely condemned by international entities.
In addition to this, a report by Human Rights Watch in 2018 uncovered the dangerous working conditions in some North Korean auto factories as well as the exploitation of prisoners as part of the production workforce. While the North Korean regime has denied these allegations and claims that the conditions in the auto factories are in line with international standards, reports of unacceptable working conditions continue to be cited.
Conclusion
North Korea’s automotive industry is a complex yet highly relevant subject worth exploring, as it provides a rare insight into the country’s society and culture. Despite the impact of international sanctions and unethical practices, there is undoubtedly developing infrastructure within the country to meet the needs of its citizens. Although the majority of citizens are still unable to afford cars, the regime is responding by investing in the development and usage of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, as well as introducing initiatives to reduce emissions and protect the environment.
