North Korean Car Brands

North Korean car manufacturing is largely centered around Pyeonghwa Motors, a joint venture between South Korea’s Unification Church and North Korea’s Ryonbong General Corp. Pyeonghwa is the sole car producer in North Korea and its lineup includes the Samchunri, Hwiparam and the Junma. These cars are generally adaptations or replicas of foreign models, made under license or via technical agreements. The production is small-scale due to economic challenges and import sanctions, and the car ownership remains rare among North Koreans due to the high costs. The vehicles produced are mostly for official use and limited domestic sales, with a few also exported.

Chongjin Bus Works

Founded: 1972
Headquarters: North Korea

The company is engaged in the production of buses and trolleybuses, including the most famous solar-powered trolleybus – Jipsam 86.

Kim Jong Tae Locomotive Works

Founded: 10 November 1945
Headquarters: Sŏsŏng-guyŏk, P’yŏngyang, North Korea

It is the largest manufacturer of railway equipment in North Korea, founded in November 1945. The plant produces and repairs electric and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, trams and metro trains.

Pyeonghwa Motors

Founded: 1999
Founder: Sun Myung Moon
Headquarters: Nampo, North Korea
Website: www.pyeonghwamotors.com

It is a manufacturer of small passenger cars as well as luxury vehicle models. The company, founded in 1999, was established thanks to the joint efforts of the North Korean company Ryonbong General Corporation and Pyeonghwa from South Korea. Interestingly, the latter belongs to the Unification Church founded in Seoul. In addition, the company manufactures vans, buses, SUVs and pickups. The capacity of the enterprise allows the company to produce up to 10,000 vehicles per year. However, due to the lack of a civilized car market in North Korea, the company produces only 300-400 vehicles per year.

Sungri Motor Plant

Founded: November 1950
Headquarters: Tokchon, North Korea

Manufacturer of both cars and trucks, buses and power units.