In 2023, domestic sales of Korean-made cars totaled 1,452,051 units, marking a 4.5% increase from 1,388,476 units in 2022. Unlike 2022, when no domestic model sold over 100,000 units, the Grandeur rose to prominence, achieving sales of 113,062 units last year.
Hyundai reported sales of 635,510 units, a 14.7% increase from the previous year’s 553,839 units. The Grandeur saw a significant surge of 68.7%, compared to just 67,030 units sold the previous year. The Porter sold 97,675 units, experiencing a slight increase of 5.7% from last year’s 92,411 units. The Avante showed an increase as well, recording sales of 65,364 units, an 11.3% rise from 58,743 units in the prior year.
Genesis sales reached 126,567 units, a decrease of 6.3% from 135,045 units in the previous year. The G80 declined by 8.3% to 43,236 units. In contrast, the GV70 and GV80 experienced growth, selling 34,474 units (up 16.9%) and 28,860 units (up 23%) respectively.
Kia recorded sales of 565,826 units, continuing its upward trend with a 4.6% increase from 541,068 units in the previous year. The Sorento sold 85,811 units, a 24.5% increase over last year’s 68,902 units. The Carnival reached 69,857 units, reflecting an 18.3% growth, and the Sportage rose 25.9% with 69,749 units sold.
KG Mobility’s sales amounted to 63,345 units, a 7.7% decrease from last year’s 68,666 units. The Torres jumped 55% with 34,951 units sold, while the Rexton Sport slipped 40% to 15,349 units.
South Korea GM recorded sales of 38,755 units, a slight increase of 4.1% compared to last year’s 37,237 units. The Trax crossover has established itself as a mainstay for South Korea GM, selling 23,656 units since its launch last year. However, the Trailblazer saw its sales cut in half, with only 7,521 units sold compared to 14,561 the previous year.
Renault Korea reported 22,048 units sold, a substantial drop of 58% from 52,621 units last year. The QM6 saw a 60% decline with 10,866 units sold compared to 27,440 units the previous year. XM3 peaked at 8,915 units, reflecting a 54% drop from 19,425 units sold in the prior year.
By Jinsik Lee: daedusj@autodiary.kr