The cumulative auto export amount from January to November this year recorded $64.8 billion (93 trillion won), renewing the all-time highest amount. It is expected that auto exports will surpass $70 billion for the year, following last year's performance.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on the 16th, the cumulative auto export amount from January to November this year is $64.8 billion, exceeding the previous record of $64.5 billion last year by $300 million.
The increase in car exports is being led by eco-friendly vehicles such as hybrid cars. In November, the export of hybrid cars recorded $1.03 billion, up 55.6% from a year ago. The export amount exceeded $1 billion for the fourth consecutive month.
However, looking only at November, despite the surge in hybrid car exports, the overall export amount decreased due to weather effects. The auto export amount in November was $5.64 billion, down 13.6% from a year ago.
An official from the ministry explained, "The export amount decreased as the volume of vehicle shipments at Incheon and Pyeongtaek ports decreased due to heavy snow in the metropolitan area at the end of the month."
Among corporations, medium-sized companies like Korea GM (+9.1%), KGM (+219.3%), and Renault Korea (+197.5%) drew attention with high export growth rates.
Domestic car sales in November increased by 7.9%, totaling 148,000 units. Although the sales volume slightly decreased compared to the same period last year, year-end promotions in the auto industry, including the Korea Sale FESTA, led to the highest monthly sales this year.