Prolific dealer in Busan is recognized by BMW

Kim Jung-hwan

Kim Jung-hwan, a BMW dealer in Busan, was honored by the German automaker yesterday for selling a record number of cars last year.

Kim, a 40-year-old employee at Kolon Motors, the carmaker’s official dealer in Korea, sold 314 cars in 2012, which means that he sold at least one car every working day.

“Once, I accomplished 80 contracts in one month,” Kim said. “I also made eight deals in one day.”

Kim, who has been selling cars for the past 13 years, was also chosen as the best dealer in 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2011.

It is the first time, however, that an import car dealer has sold more than 300 cars in one year, according to an official from BMW, the No. 1 foreign brand in Korea.

Last year, BMW sold 28,152 cars, 20.9 percent more than the previous year. Foreign import cars excelled last year as its market share exceeded 10 percent for the first time since the market was opened in 1987.

Kim attributes his success to “winning customers’ trust.”

“As a dealer, I have never lied to customers,” he said. “Also, even if it’s not in my interest, I keep my promises.”

Kim shared a story of when he sold a BMW Z4 in 2006.

“I wasn’t aware that the fixed price of that car had increased by 2 million won [$1,847],” he said. “So in the final contract, the price of the car was 2 million won less.”

He said that though he was aware of the price change afterward, he didn’t raise the price. “It wasn’t the customer’s fault,” he said. “My principle is to keep promises with customers.”

By Lee Ga-hyeok [angie@joongang.co.kr]