Domestic sales of Hyundai and Kia increase in July driven by SUVs

Domestic sales of Hyundai and Kia increase in July driven by SUVs. August. 04, 2015 07:20. yhkang@donga.com.

Domestic sales of Korea’s top four car makers, excluding Korea GM, increased in July from a year earlier, as sports utility vehicles and mini vans continued to gain popularity among Korean drivers. However, other vehicles excluding recreational vehicles and compact passenger cars saw sales decrease.

According to the automotive sector on Monday, Hyundai Motor’s domestic sales reached 357,795 units in July, up 0.5 percent from the same period last year. Hyundai’s facelifted “Santa Fe” released in June sold 9,942 units, ranking No. 1 in the number of units sold among total domestic sales. Sales of compact passenger cars including “Grand Starex” and “Porter” rose 23.5 percent. Hyundai’s overseas sales declined 7.3 percent year-on-year, however.

Kia Motors sold 48,202 units in July, an increase of 13.9 percent from the same period last year, posting its highest monthly domestic sales ever. Kia’s passenger cars including new “K5” surged by 19.1 percent, while recreational vehicles such as “Sorrento” and “Carnival” rose 10.2 percent. Kia’s sales in overseas markets declined 15.4 percent.

Renault Samsung sold 6,700 units in July in Korea, up 10.9 percent from the same period last year. The biggest sales came from “QM3” (2,394 units sold), surging 245 percent from a year earlier. Exports of Renault Samsung soared by 70.9 percent from a year earlier thanks to surging sales of its Nissan sports utility vehicle “Rogue (7,500 units).”

Ssangyong Motor sold 8,210 units domestically in July, up 36.2 percent year-on-year. The release of the “Tivoli Diesel” helped boost the car marker’s sales. Exports, however, shrank 37.9 percent.

Korea GM was the only car maker whose domestic sales declined in July, a decrease of 6.8 percent to 12,402 units. Exports surged 30.7 percent as cars were shipped before early August when factories suspend for summer vacation.