Auto exports, domestic sales and production all fell last month due to fewer working days during the Lunar New Year holiday. However, hybrid exports rose more than 20%, leading exports of eco-friendly vehicles.
According to the "Automobile industry trends in February 2026" that the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources released on the 18th, auto exports last month totaled 189,885 units, down 18.5% from a year earlier. In value terms, exports came to $4.8 billion, a decrease of 20.8% from a year earlier.
Eco-friendly vehicle exports saw a relatively smaller decline. In February, exports of eco-friendly vehicles totaled 67,361 units, falling just 2.3% from a year earlier, while export value decreased 3.5% to $1.95 billion. In particular, hybrid export value increased 23.5% from a year earlier.
By region, exports to North America were $2.418 billion, down 23.9% from a year earlier, with exports to the United States plunging 29.4%. Exports to the European Union (EU) also fell 20.0%, while exports to Asia dropped 45.4%. In contrast, some regions, including Latin America and Oceania, showed gains.
Domestic sales were 123,275 units, down 7.2% from a year earlier. However, domestic sales of eco-friendly vehicles continued to rise. In February, sales of eco-friendly vehicles reached 76,137 units, up 26.3% from a year earlier. In particular, electric-vehicle sales surged 156.2% to 36,332 units, driving the expansion of eco-friendly vehicle sales at home. Hybrids recorded 38,468 units (-13.8%), plug-in hybrids 870 units (-27.7%), and hydrogen vehicles 467 units (57.8%).
Auto production was 278,248 units, down 21.0% from a year earlier. Production at most automakers fell due to fewer working days during the Lunar New Year holiday.