Auto Sales Drop 10% in South Korea

South Korea's five carmakers sold 120,200 vehicles in the domestic market last month compared with 133,200 units in March 2011, according to company reports.

Sales fell 10% to 56,000 vehicles at Hyundai and 9% to 42,100 units at affiliate Kia. Renault Samsung reported a 42% plunge in domestic volume to 4,800 vehicles. SsangYong's global sales dropped 10% to 9,300 units. The company's domestic figures were not available. GM Korea boosted sales 10% to 13,500 vehicles.

In the first quarter of 2012, the five companies report their combined sales in Korea slid 7% year over year to 329,500 vehicles.