Domestic automotive manufacturers' global sales in August increased slightly compared to the same period last year. Due to changes in the trade environment, such as high tariffs in the United States, export strength has considerably weakened; however, thanks to a recovery in the domestic market, the upward trend has been maintained.
On the 1st, according to Hyundai Motor, Kia, GM Korea, KM Mobility, and Renault Korea, the total domestic and overseas sales for the five companies last month reached 626,721 units, a 1.2% increase compared to the same period last year. However, this is only half of the increase recorded in July (2.4%).
While domestic sales increased by 5.2% to 110,961 units compared to August last year, exports only rose slightly by 0.5%, from 512,889 units to 515,198 units, which narrowed the overall growth trend. In July, exports increased by 2.7% compared to the same period last year, outpacing the domestic growth of 0.9%.
By company, Hyundai Motor sold a total of 336,395 units in August, including 58,330 domestically and 278,065 overseas. The increase in domestic and overseas sales was 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively. Domestically, the sales of the Avante stood out at 7,655 units.
Regarding overseas markets, Hyundai Motor noted, "We will strengthen our sales and production systems suitable for local demand and policies to flexibly respond to regional market changes," adding, "We plan to steadily expand our market share through the launch of competitive new models."
Kia's domestic sales amounted to 43,501 units, a 7.4% increase. However, exports decreased by 0.4% to 209,887 units. Including special vehicles (562 units), the total sales rose by 0.8% to 253,950 units. Domestically, the Sorento was the best-selling model with 6,531 units sold, while the Sportage was the most sold model overseas with 39,214 units.
GM Korea's total sales reached 21,059 units, reflecting a 34.7% increase compared to last year, the highest growth rate among the five companies. Domestic sales fell sharply by 25.2% to 1,207 units, but overseas sales surged by 41.6% to 19,852 units. The Chevrolet Trax crossover led the growth in overall overseas performance with a 56.5% increase in sales.
KM Mobility recorded domestic sales of 4,055 units and overseas sales of 4,805 units, representing increases of 2.8% and 14.8%, respectively. Including local assembly products (CKD), total sales increased by 9.0% to 8,860 units. A KM Mobility official stated, "Domestic sales have exceeded 4,000 units for two consecutive months due to increased sales of the Actyon Hybrid, and exports have continued to rise due to increased sales of the Torres EVX."
Renault Korea sold a total of 6,457 units, including 3,868 domestically and 2,589 overseas. While domestic sales surged by 186.5%, exports decreased by 63.5%, leading to a 23.6% decline in overall sales. The Grand Koleos accounted for 75% of total domestic sales with 2,903 units.