Koreans are staunch nationalists. During a test-drive trip to Seoul in 2011, we noticed that the streets were filled with different local brands like Hyundai, Kia, and even SsangYong and Renault Samsung. As a matter of fact, you were more likely to spot a European brand on the streets than one from a Japanese carmaker.
The times seem to be changing. According to Toyota, the Camry has just been named the 2013 Car of the Year by the Korea Automobile Journalist Association.
The Camry reportedly earned the highest score of 78.75 points "for its value on price, performance, safety and fuel efficiency," making it the first foreign model to win the award since it was first presented three years ago.
Bagging the Car of the Year award also happens to be the icing on Toyota's Korean cake as the Camry supposedly is one of the best-selling imported cars in the country, helping to boost the carmaker's sales in Korea to over 200 percent in 2012 compared to its sales in 2011.
