Five Domestic Automakers See July Sales Decline...Struggles in the Domestic Market (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Domestic automakers struggled in the domestic market last month due to the shortage of automotive semiconductors and temporary shutdowns. Meanwhile, overseas sales increased as demand recovery continued.

According to the sales statistics of five domestic automakers on the 2nd, their total domestic and overseas sales last month amounted to 617,199 units, a 0.2% decrease compared to the same period last year.

Looking at domestic sales alone, the five companies sold 123,512 units last month, down 14.5% from the same period last year.

By company, Hyundai Motor's domestic sales in July were 59,856 units, a 22.6% decrease compared to the previous year.

This is attributed to the semiconductor supply shortage still not being resolved and Hyundai Motor temporarily shutting down its Asan plant, which produces the Grandeur and Sonata, from the 13th of last month for the installation of electric vehicle production facilities.

In the domestic market, sedans sold a total of 14,374 units, including 5,247 Grandeurs, 3,712 Sonatas, and 5,386 Avantes. Recreational Vehicles (RVs) sold a total of 18,509 units, including 4,695 Palisades, 4,452 Santa Fes, and 3,972 Tucsons.

Kia's domestic sales were positive. In July, it sold 48,160 units domestically, a 2.4% increase compared to the same month last year. The best-selling vehicle domestically last month was the Sorento, with 6,339 units sold.

Passenger models sold a total of 22,099 units, including 6,008 K8s, 5,777 K5s, 3,325 Rays, and 3,147 K3s. RV models, including the Sorento, sold a total of 20,675 units, including 5,632 Carnivals, 3,152 Seltoses, and 3,079 Sportages.

All three foreign-affiliated companies experienced sluggish domestic sales. Korea GM (GM Korea) sold 4,886 units domestically last month, a 30.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Although the Chevrolet Trailblazer led both domestic and export sales, the impact of the automotive semiconductor shortage persisted.

During the same period, Renault Samsung Motors' domestic sales were 4,958 units, down 21.3%, and SsangYong Motor's sales decreased by 15.7% to 5,652 units.

However, overseas sales maintained a positive trend.

Hyundai Motor's overseas sales in July were 250,045 units, a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. Kia's overseas sales in July recorded 193,239 units, a 10.4% increase compared to the same month last year.

Renault Samsung's exports increased by 131.7% to 6,075 units. The XM3, which began full-scale sales in 28 European countries from June, received a good response locally and drove performance. XM3 exports last month were 4,863 units.

SsangYong Motor's exports also increased by 218.0% to 2,503 units. The Rexton (1,721.4%) and Rexton Sports (494.4%) led the exports.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.