The Chinese automobile factory that Kim Jong Un visited over the weekend had historical and economic ties with North Korea, NK News has found, including producing vehicles that were previously rebranded for the DPRK market.

Huanghai Automobile in the Chinese border city of Dandong has also clearly signaled its interest in bolstering business with North Korea following the opening of the New Yalu River Bridge, suggesting it aims to turn around a production slump by exporting its electric buses and cars.

The automobile manufacturer builds buses, pickup trucks and special-purpose vehicles under Liaoning SG Automotive Group.

The North Korean leader