Vehicle Sales Rise Slightly in S. Korea

Car sales in South Korea totaled 613,800 units in January, a gain of 2,400 units from the same period last year, according to company reports.

Domestic deliveries climbed 6% to 112,500 vehicles, aided by a bevy of new models. Exports dipped 1% to 501,300 units, largely because of declines in China and the U.S.

January sales by market leader Hyundai-Kia advanced 1% to 539,300 vehicles. Kia’s 5% gain to 205,100 units offset Hyundai’s 1% drop to 334,200.

GM Korea says demand for its vehicles last month fell 10% to 42,400 units. Renault Samsung’s sales jumped 8% to 21,800 cars. SsangYong Motor blames slumping exports for its 2% dip to 10,200 units.