Korean Patriotism

I live in Malaysia and we have our own car brand and manufacturing sites. This year is the 30th anniversary but unlike many other car brands, its products are still not up to expectation. Often countries with their own national car brand would increase taxes on imported cars to protect its national brand which causes a huge difference in price. Thus, its citizen are mainly forced to purchase its national car especially for the low and middle class people. In Malaysia, its citizens purchase with a hatred and hope to survive and be financially able to upgrade and its founder, chairman and former Prime Minister often call its citizen as ungrateful and unappreciative of the national carmaker. He would make an example of the Korean brand Hyundai which flourish very well until achieving good international sales and credits this success to its supportive citizens. We have always thought that the Koreans are really supportive and that is why 97% of the cars on the road are Korean brand such as Hyundai, Kia, Daewoo and Samsung.

However, after talking with some Koreans and visiting Korea on 2 different trips, I realize that patriotism is not the reason. What is happening in Malaysia is also the case in Korea. Koreans have no choice but to buy Korean brands when other choices are too expensive because of high taxes to even consider. I was told by a Korean acquaintance that she hated Korean cars and if she could afford it, she would never buy a Korean car. I guess that is very true because in recent years, I started to notice imports, mainly European begin to fill up the streets of Seoul. It used to be only for the rich but it is either people are getting richer or its getting cheaper to purchase an import. Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen seems to be the popular choice but of course Mercedes Benz and BMW have their own market share. It really is a different sight to behold. So, no more stereotyping and I definitely hope that my national carmaker's chairman would stop using Korea's car history and situation as an example and give me cheaper cars. Please, I beg of you !!!