르노코리아 and KG Mobility experienced a rebound in the domestic market due to the new car effect in September. However, Hyundai and Kia's electric vehicle launches faced a downturn starting in September 2025. The five major domestic automakers recorded total domestic sales of over 105,000 vehicles in September, reflecting a 0.9% decrease compared to the same month last year. The ongoing economic recession continues to dampen domestic demand.

However, Renault Korea and KG Mobility saw their sales volumes increase. Renault Korea sold over 5,000 units, marking a 203% increase compared to the same period last year, while KG Mobility sold over 4,500 units, reflecting an 11.5% increase year-on-year.

The common factor between the two companies is the new car effect. Renault Korea launched the Grand Koleos, while KG Mobility introduced the Actyon. The Grand Koleos hybrid achieved significant sales in September, with around 3,900 units sold.

This success appears to stem from a strategic focus on the hybrid E-Tech. The new Grand Koleos prioritizes the launch of hybrid models, which are preferred by domestic consumers, including gasoline turbo and hybrid options. All models sold last month were hybrids.

Despite unavoidable production disruptions due to union strikes, the company focused on Grand Koleos production, which likely contributed to the increase in sales. The Grand Koleos hybrid received a certification of 15.7 km/L in combined fuel efficiency based on 19-inch tires.

The Grand Koleos hybrid boasts class-leading fuel efficiency and features a high-capacity 1.64 kWh battery among its hybrid offerings. This enhances the driving range on electric power alone and allows for more efficient engine output.

The Grand Koleos hybrid excels in urban driving, achieving high fuel efficiency. It can operate on electric power for up to 75% of the total driving distance in urban areas. On highways and expressways, it optimizes fuel efficiency, saving up to 40% compared to gasoline engines.

Additionally, it delivers a high system output of 245 horsepower, positioning itself competitively in its class. The hybrid system of the Grand Koleos operates in a series-parallel configuration, combining a 100 kW driving electric motor with a 60 kW high-voltage starter motor and a 1.5L turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine.

Meanwhile, KGM sold over 1,600 units of the new Actyon last month, maintaining the new car effect. Since its launch in August, the Actyon has accumulated sales of over 2,400 units. The Actyon features a gasoline coupe design and competitive pricing around 30 million won (approximately 22,500 USD).

Analysts predict that the success of both vehicles will continue. The Grand Koleos has surpassed 20,000 pre-orders, while the new Actyon has recorded 16,000 pre-orders.

Renault Korea faces ongoing concerns about production disruptions due to a full-scale union strike. Three weeks have passed since the strike began, raising fears of its prolonged duration. Renault Korea stated that it is doing its best to find a resolution and minimize production disruptions.

The new Actyon faces limitations due to its gasoline-only powertrain. The higher sales of the Grand Koleos can be attributed to the popularity of its hybrid model. KG Mobility plans to enhance its product offerings by launching a hybrid model next year.

Hyundai and Kia, which previously launched electric vehicles, now struggle to overcome challenges in the declining electric vehicle market. The Kia EV3's sales in September dropped to half of last month's figure, totaling around 2,000 units.

The Hyundai Casper Electric recorded over 2,000 units, marking a 44% increase compared to August, but overall electric vehicle sales declined. The Ioniq 5's sales fell to around 1,100 units, a decrease of approximately 4.1% within a month, while the Kia EV6 dropped by 45.9%, and the Ray by 16.1%.

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