Domestic Car Industry Surpasses 600,000 SUV Sales for the First Time Last Year

SUV No.1 is Kia Sorento... '82,275 Units'

Kia 4th Generation Sorento (Photo by Kia)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Last year, the total number of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) sold domestically by the five major domestic automakers surpassed 600,000 units for the first time. The share of SUVs in total passenger car sales also jumped to 44.8%.

According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) on the 17th, the number of SUVs sold by domestic automakers in the domestic market last year was 615,982 units. This represents a 15.3% increase compared to 534,414 units in 2019. With total domestic passenger car sales recorded at 1,374,715 units, nearly half of them were SUVs.

Last year, the demand for "chabak" (car camping) increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which boosted SUV demand. Additionally, the launch of new models such as the Sorento, Tucson, and Santa Fe added to the new car effect.

By brand, Hyundai Motor Company sold 248,242 SUVs, a 3.9% increase from the previous year. The best-selling model at Hyundai was the Palisade, which recorded 64,791 units, ranking second among all domestic SUV models. This was followed by the Santa Fe (57,578 units), Tucson (36,144 units), and Genesis GV80 (34,217 units). Kia sold 196,453 units, a remarkable 21.3% increase compared to 2019. The Sorento sales (82,275 units) increased by nearly 60%, making it the top-selling domestic SUV. Following were the Seltos with 49,481 units, and the Niro and Mohave each recorded sales around 20,000 units.

Korea GM sold 33,268 SUVs last year, driven by the popularity of the new Trailblazer. This was more than double the sales compared to the previous year. The Trailblazer alone accounted for over 20,000 units, while the Trax (6,853 units) and Traverse (4,035 units) also contributed their shares. Renault Samsung Motors recorded a 59% increase in SUV sales, reaching 83,199 units. The strong sales of the XM3, launched early last year, were a key factor. The XM3 sales were counted at 34,091 units.

On the other hand, SsangYong Motor did not benefit from the SUV boom. SsangYong, which fills its entire lineup with RV models, saw domestic sales decline by 18.5% last year. While Korando sales increased by 10.1%, Rexton sales decreased by 5%. Both models failed to exceed 20,000 units in sales last year.

The popularity of SUVs is expected to continue this year. Sales of the Genesis GV70, launched last month, are gaining momentum, and new volume models such as Kia’s 5th generation Sportage are also scheduled for release.