South Korean automakers post 25.8% rise in global sales

South Korea’s automakers reported a 5.2% rise in annual domestic sales, to 1,457,962 units in 2010, according to data released by the five major automakers in the country. Combined global vehicle sales of the five brands, which include Hyundai, Kia, General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology, Renault-Samsung and SsangYong, rose almost 25.8% in 2010, to 6.842 million units, amid a low base of comparison in 2009, when sales fell by 61.9%. Exports climbed 33% to 5,386,692 units during 2010. The two brands under the Hyundai Group, Hyundai and Kia, continued to dominate. Hyundai and Kia managed overall sales growth of 16.0% and 38.9%, respectively, in 2010. (January 4, 2011)