[THE INVESTOR] Chiefs of global automakers are flocking to South Korea, in a move seen to expand their brands’ presence in one of the fastest growing auto markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

British supercar Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Mueller Otvos will visit Korea on Sept. 29 to mark the opening of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Studio, the first of its kind in Asia. He is also planning to visit a newly opened showroom in Busan on Sept. 30.

This is his second visit to Korea since his inauguration in 2010. He last visited here in 2012. 

Rolls-Royce sales have been on the rise despite its costly price tag of US$ 300,000-400,000. Last year, the automaker sold 63 units here, up from 18 units in 2010.

Swedish automaker Volvo’s President and CEO Hakan Samuelsson is also scheduled to visit Korea in November, his first since he took the top job in 2012.

Sales of Volvo cars have also climbed recently, from 2,976 units in 2014 to 4,238 units last year. From January to August this year, the automaker sold 3,488 units. It is expected to keep the strong sales momentum this year to exceed last year’s record.

Samuelsson’s visit coincides with the delivery of its new sedan S90 to the customers here. Industry watchers project Samuelsson to reach out for partnership to develop new technologies such as self-driving car for Volvo.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)