SK Speedmate, a leading brand in Korea's automotive aftermarket, has opened the first flagship store of ZIC TECH, its specialized import car maintenance brand.

SK Speedmate announced on the 7th that it held a grand opening ceremony at the Dongtan Neungdong location, the first flagship store of ZIC TECH. ZIC TECH is a brand that provides specialized maintenance services for imported vehicles by combining SK Speedmate's accumulated expertise in import car servicing, parts distribution competitiveness, and maintenance business know-how with the premium lubricant brand value of SK enmove's 'ZIC.' The two companies have been preparing for the store opening since signing a business agreement last November.

ZIC TECH will carry out import vehicle maintenance based on SK Speedmate's outstanding repair and franchise operation capabilities, and plans to offer SK Enmove's ZIC lubricants — which have obtained the latest official certifications from import car manufacturers including those in Germany — to customers at reasonable prices. In addition, the brand has established a system to smoothly supply necessary import car parts to customers through partnerships with companies such as Mann+Hummel and Bosch Korea, which supply parts to global automakers. As a brand specializing in import vehicle maintenance, ZIC TECH also plans to strengthen its competitiveness in standardized service quality by providing technical support and employee training.

Currently in Korea, the number of imported vehicles continues to grow, while the infrastructure for import car maintenance remains relatively insufficient and service reliability is a concern. In particular, for imported vehicles whose warranty period has expired, it is difficult to find maintenance services as trustworthy as official service centers at reasonable prices. In this environment, ZIC TECH is expected to become a reliable option for import car owners seeking safe and dependable vehicle maintenance.

SK Speedmate plans to first open and operate ZIC TECH stores in Dongtan Neungdong, Ilsan, Gimpo, and Gunpo, before expanding the network to 30 locations nationwide by the end of the year.

A representative from SK Speedmate stated, "ZIC TECH will do its utmost to provide trusted import vehicle maintenance with superior technical expertise, reasonable pricing, and a comfortable service environment. As a brand specializing in import car maintenance with the concentrated capabilities of SK Enmove and other leading partners, we will continue to deliver more systematic and advanced maintenance services."

SK Speedmate, the automotive maintenance service subsidiary of SK Networks, is launching a preventive vehicle maintenance and safety inspection service in partnership with an insurance company.

SK Speedmate announced on the 23rd that it will launch a vehicle preventive maintenance and safety inspection campaign service for customers enrolled in automobile insurance with AXA Direct Korea.

Through the AXA insurance app, customers can apply for a safety inspection and visit a Speedmate service center, where five key components — engine oil, battery, tires, brakes, and air conditioner filter

— will be inspected. Customers will then receive the diagnostic results in a mobile report.

The service, which is being offered in cooperation with AXA Direct Korea at approximately 570 Speedmate locations nationwide, goes beyond traditional vehicle inspections that simply notify customers of abnormalities. It also provides comprehensive maintenance scores based on diagnostic results directly related to vehicle safety. In addition, features such as notifications for expected maintenance timing based on each customer’s vehicle usage patterns enable long-term and continuous vehicle condition management. While conventional maintenance services have focused on repairs after vehicle breakdowns or accidents, this new service is designed to help prevent vehicle failures by guiding customers on maintenance schedules based on their inspection results.

To commemorate the launch of the vehicle preventive maintenance and safety inspection campaign service, SK Speedmate will offer a KRW 30,000 discount on engine oil services through June 30 to customers who have agreed to receive text messages from AXA Direct Korea.

As a leading company in Korea’s automotive aftermarket industry, SK Speedmate plans to further enhance personalized vehicle management services by converting vehicle diagnostic results into data and providing maintenance guidance according to service cycles. The company also intends to continuously expand diagnostic items and improve reporting functions in order to establish itself as a differentiated preventive maintenance service provider.

An SK Speedmate official stated, “The key is to provide customers with a data-driven vehicle management experience that goes beyond simple inspections. Through the vehicle safety inspection reports delivered via mobile, customers can easily check their vehicle condition and expected maintenance timing, which we expect will greatly improve customer convenience.”

SK Speedmate is joining forces with Ajou Motor College to foster talent in eco-friendly vehicle maintenance.

SK Speedmate, the automotive maintenance service subsidiary of SK Networks

, announced on the 16th that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ajou Motor College on the 15th to strengthen industry-academia cooperation and provide training for eco-friendly vehicle maintenance personnel. Representatives from both organizations attended the signing ceremony and discussed future plans for cultivating eco-friendly vehicle maintenance talent and enhancing business capabilities.

Under the agreement, SK Speedmate and Ajou Motor College plan to:

Jointly develop maintenance training curricula in response to the growing adoption of eco-friendly vehicles

Share educational infrastructure and practical training resources

Enhance the professional technical capabilities of Speedmate’s field maintenance personnel

In addition, the two organizations will operate internship programs to help students at Ajou Motor College gain hands-on industry experience. Through employment linkage opportunities for outstanding students, SK Speedmate also aims to improve the quality of its vehicle maintenance services.

As eco-friendly vehicles continue to increase amid persistently high fuel prices and the global push for carbon neutrality, demand for maintenance services for such vehicles is also expected to rise. Through this partnership with Ajou Motor College, SK Speedmate plans to establish a specialized maintenance system focused on hybrid and electric vehicles and further strengthen its competitiveness in the eco-friendly vehicle maintenance sector.

An SK Speedmate official stated, “By strengthening our maintenance capabilities for hybrid and electric vehicles, we aim not only to improve customer satisfaction but also to actively contribute to the long-term development of skilled maintenance professionals. Based on industry-academia cooperation, we will continue building a sustainable vehicle maintenance service ecosystem.”

Speedmate Secures No. 1 Spot in K-BPI Automotive Maintenance Category for 24 Consecutive Years, Solidifying Its Position as South Korea’s Leading Comprehensive Car Care Brand.

SK Speedmate announced on the 19th that its comprehensive automotive care brand, Speedmate, ranked first in the "2026 Korea Brand Power Index (K-BPI)" Automotive Maintenance category, organized by Korea Management Association Consulting (KMAC). With this achievement, Speedmate has held the top position for 24 consecutive years, once again cementing its status as the nation’s premier automotive maintenance brand.

Speedmate has provided comprehensive vehicle management services, including light maintenance, emergency roadside assistance, and the distribution of tires and imported car parts. While offering reliable maintenance services to individual drivers across its more than 570 locations nationwide, Speedmate also delivers differentiated value to corporate clients. As the No. 1 player in domestic imported car parts distribution, the company offers efficient labor cost billing and management through its integrated platform, "Huckleberry Pro."

In line with its strategic direction to evolve into an "AI Mobility Data Company," Speedmate plans to full-scale its preventive maintenance services using vehicle maintenance data this year. Additionally, it aims to enhance accident response effectiveness by advancing emergency roadside services integrated with AI technology. Under the brand identity built over the past 30 years, Speedmate’s strategy is to strengthen its growth engines and lead future innovation by incorporating AI and data-driven technological services.

A Speedmate official stated, "We were able to achieve the meaningful milestone of ranking first in the K-BPI for 24 consecutive years thanks to the unwavering trust of our customers. We will continue to develop as a company that repays this trust by evolving into an AI mobility data enterprise and providing more systematic, customer-centric services."

Meanwhile, in May of last year, Speedmate unveiled a new, modern logo in striking red along with the slogan, "The Beginning and End of My Car Maintenance," further solidifying its image as a trusted maintenance brand.

Speedmate, a leader in the domestic automotive maintenance industry, has been designated as an authorized service partner for Ford and Lincoln vehicles, in recognition of its highly reliable maintenance services.

On the 24th, SK Speedmate announced that in partnership with Sunin Motors, it has selected and begun operating five Speedmate locations as designated service center partners specialized in Ford and Lincoln vehicle maintenance. The selected locations are Anyang (South Gyeonggi), Shinsigaji (Uijeongbu/North Gyeonggi), Gangdong IPARK The River (East Seoul), Dongrae (Busan), and Shinmasan (Yeongnam). These branches will provide services including tire services, engine oil changes, and brake pad replacements for Ford and Lincoln models.

As an official domestic dealer for Ford and Lincoln, Sunin Motors selected SK Speedmate as its partner to improve customer accessibility to maintenance and to provide high-quality service support.

To commemorate the launch of this service, Speedmate is holding a promotional event through the end of May at these five designated locations. Owners of Ford and Lincoln vehicles can receive a 20% discount on all tire brands, along with free fuel additives and car plushies.

Speedmate has consistently demonstrated its capabilities through customer-centric services, such as "Starlight Maintenance" for after-work hours and the AI-powered "Speed Autocare" in collaboration with Kanana. Moving forward, Speedmate plans to further build trust and enhance its service excellence as a comprehensive provider responsible for the beginning and end of the vehicle maintenance journey.

SK Speedmate, a leader in the automotive care industry, is accelerating its efforts to create future innovation value by appointing a new CEO and reorganizing its structure.

On December 9, SK Speedmate announced that it has appointed Hwan-Yong Lee as its new CEO through the 2026 regular executive reshuffle and organizational restructuring, while also establishing two new divisions: MSI (Mobility Service Innovation) and MPI (Mobility Platform Innovation).

Lee joined SK Networks in 2005 and has built expertise in strategy, planning, and accounting, supporting various business operations. In 2024, he was appointed CEO of Mintit, where he focused on stabilizing the used phone trading business and strengthening its future growth foundation. Starting next year, Lee will also serve as CEO of SK Speedmate, aiming to enhance efficiency and innovation in the automotive care business model.

Alongside the CEO appointment, SK Speedmate has implemented an executive-level organizational restructuring to strengthen business execution and establish a responsibility-based management system. The MSI division will focus on maintenance services, while the MPI division will center on parts distribution and ERS (Emergency Roadside Service) businesses.

Since its spin-off from SK Networks in September last year, SK Speedmate has been delivering high customer satisfaction through services like “Starry Night Maintenance”, while strengthening competitiveness across the automotive care sector through partnerships with leading companies such as SK Enmove, Kakao, Hankook Tire, and BMW. The company is also actively developing technology-driven business models, introducing an AI-based automatic quotation system from German automotive data firm DAT, and launching Speed Auto Care, an AI-powered service integrated with Kakao’s AI agent Kanana.

Lee’s extensive experience in strategic planning at SK Networks and Mintit is expected to align well with SK Speedmate’s diversification efforts and innovation through AI integration.

Looking ahead, SK Speedmate plans to simultaneously advance automotive service sophistication and parts distribution platform innovation, solidifying its foundation for future growth.

An SK Speedmate representative stated:
“In an uncertain business environment, we have appointed a leader capable of driving both stability and innovation. As Korea’s leading automotive care company, we will work together to further enhance our value.”

Following the enthusiastic response to the drama “Kim Manager’s Story” (official title: A Middle Manager Who Owns a Home in Seoul and Works at a Big Corporation), attention is growing toward Speedmate, the automotive care brand that supported the production by providing filming locations.

According to SK Speedmate on the 5th, Speedmate appeared in the drama as the auto repair shop operated by the main character’s older brother. The brand participated in production support by offering its store as a filming site and featuring its logo.

“Kim Manager’s Story” portrays the journey of a man who once prided himself on living in Seoul and working for a major corporation, only to face failure and rediscover his true self. In a moment of despair, Kim Manager seeks help from his estranged brother, who suggests car washing work. Kim Manager sets up a car wash next to his brother’s repair shop and gradually finds fulfillment in his new routine. The repair shop that serves as the backdrop for Kim Manager’s positive transformation is none other than Speedmate.

The heartfelt story of a middle-aged man’s search for identity resonated deeply with viewers of similar age groups and beyond, driving the drama’s popularity across TV channels and OTT platforms. This success has also amplified brand recognition for Speedmate.

As Korea’s leading automotive care brand, Speedmate continues to strengthen services aimed at improving customer satisfaction. In May, the company unveiled a refreshed logo for the first time in 15 years, reflecting its commitment to being “with you from start to finish in car maintenance.” To accommodate busy professionals, Speedmate operates “Starry Night Maintenance” on Tuesday evenings. It also launched Roadmate S, an exclusive tire pattern developed in partnership with Hankook Tire. Recently, Speedmate introduced Speed Auto Care, an AI-powered vehicle management service integrated with Kakao’s Kanana, creating a personalized maintenance environment that blends online and offline experiences.

Speedmate plans to further enhance brand value by leveraging innovative technology and services, while positioning itself as a trusted partner for drivers throughout their car care journey. The company will continue to develop engaging content and events to expand customer touchpoints.

An SK Speedmate representative stated, “Having supported customers’ vehicle maintenance for many years, Speedmate joined the drama production to promote our new brand image and connect with audiences in a more approachable way.”

SK Speedmate, a leader in Korea’s automotive care industry, is partnering with SK Enmove to promote a new imported car maintenance franchise brand, ZIC TECH, in an effort to revitalize the imported car aftermarket and foster a healthy industrial ecosystem.

SK Speedmate (CEO: Ahn Moo-in) announced on the 27th that it has signed a business agreement with SK Enmove to jointly develop and operate an imported car maintenance franchise utilizing the ZIC brand. The agreement ceremony, held the previous day at Samil Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, was attended by Kim Jae-ho, Head of Business Strategy at SK Speedmate, and Seo Sang-hyuk, Head of e-Fluids at SK Enmove. The two companies discussed future cooperation plans, including the opening schedule for ZIC TECH stores.
(SK Enmove operates as a CIC—Company-in-Company—under SK On.)

Under this agreement, the two companies plan to open ZIC TECH stores by the end of this year, providing reliable services for imported car owners, and expand to more than 10 locations by the first half of next year.

Through the ZIC TECH initiative, SK Enmove will supply premium ZIC lubricants—trusted for over 30 years both domestically and internationally—to imported car drivers at reasonable prices. Meanwhile, SK Speedmate will leverage its franchise management expertise to train and supervise mechanics, implement standardized maintenance processes, and provide customer service guidelines to enhance brand reliability.

With the number of imported cars in Korea expected to exceed 4 million by 2030, the shortage of aftermarket services has become a pressing issue. In particular, vehicles with expired warranties face concerns over maintenance quality and cost. Against this backdrop, SK Speedmate and SK Enmove aim to deliver transparent and trustworthy services through ZIC TECH, while upgrading business competitiveness via an online reservation and ordering system, stable supply of maintenance parts, and systematic technical support for service centers.

An SK Speedmate representative stated, “By combining the trusted ZIC brand with our collaborative approach, we will set a new benchmark for quality, time, and cost in imported car maintenance services. We plan to unveil new branded stores by year-end and enhance marketing and operational systems to broaden our customer service offerings.”

SK Speedmate, a leading automotive maintenance service provider in Korea, is bringing AI-powered convenience into drivers’ daily lives.

On November 26, SK Speedmate (CEO: Ahn Moo-in) announced the launch of ‘Speed AutoCare,’ an AI-based vehicle maintenance service integrated with Kakao’s AI agent app ‘Kanana.’ This service leverages AI to assist customers with vehicle management and maintenance. When Kanana users ask questions about car care through Speed AutoCare, the service provides accurate answers and supports tasks such as recommending nearby Speedmate stores, enabling real-time reservations, and guiding maintenance items for thorough and efficient vehicle management.

The introduction of Speed AutoCare marks the realization of the strategic partnership signed between the two companies in October. SK Speedmate will offer customers an AI-driven experience for vehicle maintenance, while Kakao will provide Kanana users with a complete service that connects online and offline channels.

Kakao’s Kanana app is designed to proactively solve everyday problems using AI capabilities. By integrating Speed AutoCare, SK Speedmate’s safe and convenient vehicle management services will become even more accessible, enhancing customer satisfaction. To celebrate the launch, SK Speedmate will host a promotional event offering engine oil discount coupons to customers who book maintenance through Kanana’s Speed AutoCare feature (details available on the Speedmate website).

An SK Speedmate representative stated, “With Speed AutoCare, Kanana users who need vehicle maintenance will enjoy easy access to high-quality services at over 580 Speedmate locations nationwide. We will continue to accelerate business innovation by combining advanced technology with our extensive offline infrastructure.”

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