In May, the sales performance of five domestic automakers showed mixed results, with a total of over 689,000 vehicles sold. Kia, KGM, and Renault Korea all reported increased sales compared to the previous year, while Hyundai and GM Korea saw declines.
According to Hyundai, the company sold over 58,000 vehicles domestically and over 292,000 internationally, totaling around 351,000 units, which represents a 1.7% decrease compared to the same month last year. Domestic sales during the same period last year dropped by 5.2%. In the domestic market, the Grandeur sold over 4,500 units, the Sonata over 4,100 units, and the Avante over 6,400 units, totaling around 15,000 sedans sold.
According to Hyundai, the sales figures for SUVs included over 7,600 units of the Palisade, over 4,900 units of the Santa Fe, and over 4,000 units of the Tucson, totaling around 23,000 units. The premium brand Genesis recorded sales of over 3,700 units for the G80, over 2,300 units for the GV80, and over 2,400 units for the GV70, summing up to around 9,500 units. International sales showed a 0.9% decrease compared to the same month last year.
Kia's sales in May reached over 45,000 units domestically and over 223,000 units internationally, marking a 1.7% increase compared to the same period last year, totaling around 269,000 units. While domestic sales dropped by 2.4% compared to last year, international sales rose by 2.6%.
According to Kia, the best-selling vehicle last month was the Sorento, with over 7,700 units sold. Among passenger cars, the Ray sold over 4,000 units, the K5 over 3,000 units, and the K8 over 2,600 units, totaling around 12,000 units sold.
The RV segment saw the Carnival sell over 6,600 units, the Sportage over 5,200 units, and the Seltos over 4,200 units, contributing to a total of around 25,000 units sold. Internationally, the Sportage sold over 42,000 units, the Seltos over 21,000 units, and the K3 over 17,000 units.
According to Renault Korea, the SUV hit model, the Grand Koleos, led overall sales. In May, Renault Korea reported domestic sales of over 4,200 units and exports of over 5,600 units, totaling around 9,800 units, which represents a 47.6% increase compared to the same month last year. The Grand Koleos sold over 3,200 units domestically, marking a 121% increase year-on-year, while exports included over 4,100 units of the Arkana and over 1,000 units of the Grand Koleos, totaling over 5,600 units, which is an 18.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to KG Mobility, the company recorded a 11.9% increase in sales. Domestic sales dropped by 11% with over 3,600 units sold, but exports reached over 5,300 units, marking a 29.8% increase, driving overall sales growth. Domestic sales also saw a 0.4% increase compared to the previous month, thanks to strong sales of the Musso EV, which launched in March. Exports included over 1,400 units of the Musso Sport, which led overall performance. KGM reported increased sales in Australia, Hungary, and Turkey due to the launch of new products in the overseas market.
According to GM, GM Korea continued to face challenges, with disappointing sales persisting. In May, GM Korea sold over 50,000 units, reflecting a 1.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Domestic sales accounted for over 1,400 units, while exports reached over 48,000 units, both showing declines of 39.8% and 0.1% respectively compared to last year. However, this marked the first time since December that monthly sales exceeded 50,000 units.
According to Renault Korea, overall domestic sales have decreased, but the strong performance of Renault Korea and the Grand Koleos' sales surge significantly influenced the market.