Global Sales Reach 680,000 Units in September, Up 5.4% Year-on-Year
Hyundai and Kia Lead Domestic Market Growth, Driven by Models Like Sorento
GM Korea's Sales Plunge 39% Due to High U.S. Export Dependence
The global sales of the five domestic finished car manufacturers-Hyundai Motor Company, Kia, GM Korea, Renault Korea, and KG Mobility-have continued to grow for six consecutive months. However, GM Korea, which is highly dependent on the U.S. market, recorded negative growth due to the impact of U.S. tariffs and production disruptions caused by a labor union strike.
According to industry sources on October 1, the combined global sales of the five domestic companies last month totaled 683,605 units, an increase of 5.4% compared to the same month last year. This marks six consecutive months of growth since April, with September recording the highest growth rate of the year.
Finished vehicles are waiting in the storage yard next to the export shipment dock at Hyundai Motor Company's Ulsan plant last July. Photo by Yonhap News
Domestic sales surged by 18.1% to 105,577 units. Hyundai Motor Company (18.3%) and Kia (28.6%) led the overall performance. Popular models included the Sorento (8,978 units), Avante (7,675 units), and Carnival (6,758 units). In contrast, GM Korea (-37.1%), Renault Korea (-16.5%), and KG Mobility (-9.6%) experienced sluggish domestic sales.
Overseas sales increased for all four companies except GM Korea, reaching a total of 558,890 units, up 2.9%. Hyundai Motor Company posted strong results with 372,298 units sold globally (an 8.3% increase), while Kia recorded 268,238 units (a 7.3% increase). Although Renault Korea struggled in the domestic market, its overseas sales rose by 25.3%. KG Mobility saw its overseas sales more than double, resulting in a 39.3% increase in total sales.
On the other hand, GM Korea's domestic and overseas sales amounted to only 23,723 units, a decrease of 39.1%. This was due to the combined effects of U.S. tariffs and partial labor union strikes, which disrupted production. The impact was particularly severe because 81.9% of GM Korea's production from January to August this year was focused on exports to the United States.
A GM Korea representative stated, "Global demand for our SUV models, the Trax Crossover and Trailblazer, remains strong," adding, "We will respond by strengthening marketing and ensuring smooth delivery to customers."
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