Daedong Group's smart mobility subsidiary, Daedong Mobility, announced on the 25th that it will venture into the Japanese golf cart market.
Japan is the third largest market globally with approximately 2,500 golf courses. The Japanese golf cart market is divided between internal combustion engine and electric models, with the share of electric cart sales expected to increase from 32% in 2021 to 42% by 2025. During this period, the average annual growth rate of electric models will reach about 9%, and the annual sales volume of golf carts in Japan is about 2 to 3 times larger than the domestic market. Daedong Mobility has been preparing to enter the Japanese market early, focusing on the electrification transition and growth potential.
Earlier this year, Daedong Mobility established an agency contract with a local golf goods and EV battery distributor, laying the groundwork for entry into Japan, and has begun developing locally customized golf carts based on market research. Since July, it has supplied demo golf carts to more than 10 locations in Japan to gauge local reactions and build product recognition.
Daedong Mobility particularly noted that Japanese golf courses require compatibility with magnet-type installed on the cart guide paths to support electronic guided driving and incorporated related systems.
Daedong Mobility will officially launch the golf cart aimed at Japan in November. This model is equipped with universal sensors verified through demo carts to support electronic guided driving at any golf course. Additionally, it has built-in air conditioning and wide tires to reflect the hot and humid climate and no-caddy culture, and it features an incline sensor that limits the maximum speed to 14 km/h when driving downhill to enhance safety.
Daedong Mobility plans to establish an after-sales service network focusing on the Kanto, Kansai, and Chubu regions within the year and strengthen dealer training and local networks. Moreover, based on superior performance, convenience, and price competitiveness compared to competitors, it aims to sell 200 units within the year and 1,000 units annually by 2030, along with various promotions.