Better Sales

GM Korea sold 52,795 cars in the local market last month, helped by good sales performance of the Chevrolet Malibu Diesel.
GM Korea sold 52,795 cars in the local market last month, helped by good sales performance of the Chevrolet Malibu Diesel.

 

Even though the recent ferry disaster in the nation has weakened consumer confidence, local auto makers saw monthly sales figures rise in May, thanks to the introduction of new models. 

According to industry sources on June 2, Hyundai Motor Company sold 414,961 units last month, a 3 percent year-on-year gain. The number for the local market was 59,911 units, a 3.4 percent year-on-year increase, and the figure for the overseas market was 355,050 units, up 2.9 percent from the previous year. 

Kia Motors showed poor performance in the local market, but achieved a similar level of performance in the overseas market. To be specific, it sold 36,252 units in Korea, down 8.2 percent from a year ago. Its overseas sales climbed 1.5 percent year-on-year to reach 217,366 units last month. 

GM Korea had an increase in car sales in the local market last month, helped by good performance of the Chevrolet Spark and the Chevrolet Malibu Diesel. It sold 52,795 in total, a contraction of 22.8 percent year-on-year, but saw a 5 percent year-on-year increase in domestic demand (2,405 units). 

Renault Samsung Motors, which became the nation’s fourth-largest automobile manufacturer once again last month, also showed an increase in sales. Its domestic sales increased 60.8 percent year-on-year to reach 7,400 units, and its monthly exports reached 6,132 units in May, up 23.4 percent compared with the same period last year. Its sales volume increased by 41.4 percent to reach 13,532 units last month. 

Ssangyong Motor, which is not going to release any new models by next year, is struggling in the market. It sold 12,078 units last month, with domestic sales of 5,271 units and overseas sales of 6,807 units. Although domestic sales remained the same last month, but its total exports shrank 8.8 percent compared to the same period last year. Ssangyong Motor is planning to increase sales through various kinds of marketing activities prior to the launch of its new compact SUV named X100 next year.

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