Exports of "Green" Korean Cars Jumps Fivefold

South Korea’s exports of electrified cars jumped from 35,000 units in 2012 to 196,000 last year, says the Korean Automobile Manufacturer Assn.

Growth in shipments of “green” models over the period averaged 33% per year compared with a 4% annual decline in the country’s overall automotive export volume.

KAMA notes that the trend matches rising global demand for alternatives to diesels and conventional gasoline-fueled cars. The trade group says hybrid powertrains accounted for 80% of Korea’s shipments of electrified vehicles.

Nine in 10 Korean exports of eco-friendly vehicles went to North America during the 7-year period. KAMA says the next-most-popular destinations were Israel, the U.K., Germany and Spain.