The Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA) announced on the 12th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Automobile Safety Association (KASA) at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, for mutual support and cooperation for the development of the automobile industry.
The signing ceremony was attended by members of the association, including KAJA President Choi Dae-yeol, and KASA President Lee Kang-hyun, among others. The two organizations plan to collaborate on joint research and the sharing of information and resources for the development of the automobile industry and safety technologies. They also plan to participate in each other’s events and work together on various future development initiatives.
Lee Kang-hyun expressed hope that the partnership with the Korea Automobile Journalists Association, which represents diverse voices in society under the key theme of automobiles, would significantly contribute to progress in automotive and mobility safety research and industry. Choi Dae-yeol emphasized that through activities such as symposia and forums focusing on automotive safety, as well as international cooperation efforts, they aim to make strides in the industry’s advancement and contribute to establishing a proper automotive culture.
As part of this MOU, both parties co-hosted a forum at COEX on November 12th during the AAAM International Conference 2024. Presentations and discussions at the forum covered topics such as “Key Issues and Commercialization Prospects of Autonomous Driving Technology” by Shin Jae-gon, Head of the Autonomous A2G Business Division, and “Reproduction of Automobile Accidents and Autonomous Driving Edge Cases” by Park Jong-jin, Director of the Transportation Division at the National Forensic Service’s Seoul Institute of Scientific Investigation.
Shin Jae-gon highlighted the current bifurcation in the autonomous vehicle industry between large corporations focusing on robotaxis and startups on roboshuttles. He underlined the need for continued government support for commercialization in these areas. Park Jong-jin, addressing concerns about unintended sudden acceleration accidents and the growing incidence of accidents due to pedal misoperation by elderly drivers, stressed the importance of public awareness regarding automotive safety and safe driving practices.