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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SK Speedmate (CEO: Ahn Moo-in), a leading company in Korea’s automotive maintenance industry, announced on the 17th that it has signed a strategic partnership with global tire leader Hankook Tire & Technology (Co-CEOs: Ahn Jong-seon and Lee Sang-hoon, hereafter Hankook Tire) for the launch and supply of the new product ‘Roadmate S.’

This agreement builds on the trust and collaboration between the two companies and aims to introduce customers to ‘Roadmate S,’ a new product featuring Hankook Tire’s innovative technology, thereby enhancing competitiveness and synergy in Korea’s automotive aftermarket. The signing ceremony was held on the 17th at Technoplex in Pangyo, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, with SK Speedmate CEO Ahn Moo-in and Hankook Tire Korea Business Division Head Lee Yong-gwan in attendance.

‘Roadmate S,’ exclusively supplied by Hankook Tire for Speedmate, is an all-season tire available in 40 sizes ranging from 14 to 20 inches, with three tread patterns suitable for sedans and SUVs. It delivers excellent braking and handling performance on wet roads, while reinforced block stiffness and increased width ensure stable driving throughout the year. The optimized tread pattern significantly reduces road noise for superior quietness, and the application of hybrid silica compound lowers rolling resistance for improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, the tire’s optimized contact area prevents irregular wear and provides outstanding mileage performance.

To celebrate the launch of ‘Roadmate S,’ Speedmate will offer various promotions, including gift certificates and discounts, giving customers an opportunity to experience high-performance tires and further enhance satisfaction with Speedmate’s comprehensive services.

A Speedmate representative stated, “As a market leader in the aftermarket, we will continue to introduce innovative products and services that meet diverse customer needs, striving to enhance customer value and strengthen market competitiveness.”

SK Speedmate, a leading automotive care company, is partnering with Kakao, operator of the AI agent “Kanana,” to revolutionize the vehicle maintenance experience.

On October 29, SK Speedmate (CEO: Moo-In Ahn) held a business agreement ceremony with Kakao at the Kakao Pangyo Azit headquarters. The two companies announced plans to collaborate on developing service models that integrate online and offline experiences and enhance customer satisfaction through AI technology. Through this partnership, SK Speedmate will offer AI-powered services to its maintenance customers, while Kakao will provide seamless support to Kanana users by connecting them to Speedmate’s service network.

The signing ceremony was attended by key executives from both companies, including Moo-In Ahn, CEO of SK Speedmate, and Jonghan Kim, Performance Leader of Kakao Kanana. The companies agreed to diversify their collaboration to continuously innovate customer experiences in vehicle maintenance.

Kakao’s AI agent app “Kanana” is an AI-based service that assists users in both personal and group chat rooms. It understands conversational context and provides relevant responses. Users can interact with various AI agents, including personal mate “Nana,” group mate “Kana,” and specialized mates for study coaching, insurance consultation, and more.

Under this partnership, Kanana users will be able to receive AI-driven diagnostics and recommendations for vehicle maintenance, including guidance to nearby Speedmate service centers. The integration of Kanana and Speedmate will enable seamless services such as product recommendations (e.g., engine oil, tires) and service reservations based on accumulated maintenance data.

Earlier this year, Speedmate unveiled a modern new logo and the slogan “The Beginning and End of Car Maintenance,” signaling its commitment to innovation. With over 20 years of trusted service across 580 locations nationwide, Speedmate plans to accelerate the adoption of AI in its business model through this collaboration with Kanana.

A representative from SK Speedmate stated, “Through this partnership, Kanana users in need of vehicle maintenance will be able to access Speedmate services more easily. We will continue to improve service quality based on maintenance data and expand the use of AI to drive business innovation.”

As the season of “Starlight Maintenance” returns, Speedmate is stepping up to support safe and comfortable driving for working professionals by offering vehicle maintenance services after regular business hours.

SK Speedmate (CEO: Moo-In Ahn), a comprehensive automotive care brand, announced on October 27 that it will continue its “Starlight Maintenance” program every Tuesday until 10 PM through the end of the year.

Initially launched as a pilot program in the Seoul metropolitan area last year, “Starlight Maintenance” has since expanded its reach. This fall and winter, the service will be available at over 100 Speedmate locations nationwide. It offers a valuable opportunity for professionals who struggle to find time during weekdays or face high demand on weekends to prepare their vehicles for the winter season and prevent breakdowns.

The service is provided at no additional labor cost, maintaining the same pricing and quality as daytime maintenance. Reservations can be made via the Speedmate website. Customers who have agreed to the use of their personal information for marketing purposes and complete prepayment will receive a complimentary coffee coupon upon visiting. Additionally, those who share their experience on personal social media will receive a ₩50,000 discount coupon for future maintenance services. (*For a list of participating locations and full event details, please visit the Speedmate website.)

Speedmate plans to continue developing customer-centric services like “Starlight Maintenance” to strengthen its position as Korea’s leading vehicle care brand.

A Speedmate representative stated, “To help busy professionals prepare for the winter season, we’ve expanded our Starlight Maintenance service hours and locations. With over 580 Speedmate centers nationwide, we’re committed to providing safer and more convenient maintenance experiences that support happy and secure driving for our customers.”

SK Speedmate (CEO: Moo In Ahn) announced on June 25 that it will continue its HeroMate program for the second year, offering vehicle maintenance support to bereaved families of fallen firefighters, in collaboration with the National Fire Agency.

Originally launched last year during Patriots and Veterans Month, the HeroMate program reflects SK Speedmate’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices made by firefighters. The initiative provides bereaved families with the following benefits ▲One free engine oil change per year ▲50% discount on air conditioner gas refill ▲KRW 20,000 discount on A/C filter replacement ▲Offers vehicle safety inspections along with benefits including 30% discounts on exclusive tires, brake pads, and oil. In addition, active firefighters are eligible for discounted services including KRW 30,000 off engine oil changes, and discounts on A/C filters and exclusive tires. This year as well, the company plans to expand social value by continuing this program. Along with this, Speedmate's strategy is to further enhance brand value through improved service quality and strengthened customer-centered services.

SK Speedmate CEO Moo In Ahn stated, “As Korea’s leading automotive service brand, we are proud to honor those who serve our nation by continuing meaningful programs like HeroMate. We will remain dedicated to enhancing road safety and delivering social value through practical support for firefighters and their families.”

With over 580 locations nationwide, SK Speedmate continues to earn customer trust through reliable and reasonably priced automotive services. The company is also expanding customer-focused services such as Nighttime Maintenance for working professionals.

Recently, SK Speedmate unveiled a bold new logo featuring a vivid red design to convey a modern and sophisticated image. Alongside this, the new slogan—“The Beginning and End of Car Maintenance”—reinforces the company’s brand identity as a trustworthy and comprehensive vehicle service provider.

SK Speedmate a leading aftermarket service provider for domestic and imported vehicles in Korea, has signed a strategic agreement with BMW Korea Co., Ltd. to establish a transparent parts distribution system and strengthen consumer protection.

On May 28, SK Speedmate announced the signing of a business agreement with BMW Korea Co., Ltd.concerning the distribution of BMW and MINI parts. This agreement follows a parts distribution partnership formalized on May 16. As an officially certified distributor, SK Speedmate will supply genuine BMW and MINI parts via its integrated management platform, Huckleberry Pro. This allows customers—especially those with older BMW and MINI models receiving maintenance outside the official dealership network—to access certified parts through a reliable channel. SK Speedmate is the first company in Korea to be officially recognized by BMW Korea Co., Ltd. as a genuine parts distributor. A commemorative ceremony was held on May 27, attended by Moo In Ahn, CEO of SK Speedmate, and Sangchun Jung, Head of Aftersales at BMW Korea Co., Ltd., along with other executives.

Through this partnership, both companies aim to reinforce a transparent supply chain for genuine parts and increase customer trust and loyalty in the imported vehicle aftermarket.

The collaboration is expected to generate strong synergy, further solidifying SK Speedmate’s position in the imported car repair market. SK Speedmate’s expertise in transparent procurement and sales, along with systematic logistics powered by the Huckleberry Pro platform, will help raise customer satisfaction among BMW and MINI vehicle owners.

By ensuring the smooth operation of its parts distribution business, SK Speedmate is committed to enhancing the ownership experience and value for imported vehicle customers.

An SK Speedmate representative stated: “Through our official partnership with BMW Korea Co., Ltd., we have reinforced our standing as a leader in the imported car aftermarket. Leveraging the strengths of Huckleberry Pro, we aim to provide superior parts distribution services to more drivers, while also taking a proactive role in ESG management as an industry leader.”

In addition to imported car parts, SK Speedmate is actively expanding its portfolio to include vehicle consumables such as engine oil, emergency roadside assistance (ERS), and general automotive maintenance services. Since its establishment as an independent entity last year, the company has launched AI-powered automated estimate tools and expanded its Nighttime Maintenance service for working professionals. More recently, it unveiled a new brand logo and slogan to strengthen customer engagement and solidify its identity as a reliable vehicle maintenance brand.