Korea’s 5 Automakers Sell 666,248 Vehicles in April, Down 3.3% on Middle East Uncertainty

Export-bound vehicles are parked at Pyeongtaek Port in Gyeonggi province. [Photo=Yonhap]

Uncertainty tied to the war in the Middle East clouded South Korea’s auto exports in April, producing mixed results among the country’s five automakers. Hyundai Motor and Renault Korea posted year-on-year declines amid a gap in new-model launches and weaker exports, while Kia, KG Mobility (KGM) and GM Korea reported gains on steady demand for popular models and more diversified export markets.

Industry data released Sunday showed combined global sales by Hyundai, Kia, KGM, GM Korea and Renault Korea totaled 666,248 vehicles in April, down 3.3% from a year earlier. Domestic sales fell 8.8% to 117,314, while overseas sales slipped 2.1% to 548,483.

Hyundai sold 325,589 vehicles worldwide in April, down 8% from a year earlier. Domestic sales dropped 19.9% to 54,051, and overseas sales fell 5.1% to 271,538.

A Hyundai official said sales weakened as parts supply disruptions at suppliers reduced production of key models such as the Palisade and G80, while demand built up ahead of new-model launches. The official said Hyundai plans to expand sales by rolling out a series of competitive new models this year, starting with a Grandeur facelift.

Kia reported global sales of 277,188 vehicles, up 1%. Overseas sales edged down 0.7% to 221,692, but domestic sales rose 7.9% to 55,045, driving overall growth.

A Kia official said sales in Arab and Middle Eastern markets fell somewhat due to geopolitical risks, but strong demand in Korea and in overseas regions outside the Middle East supported growth. The official said Kia will seek to sustain momentum with eco-friendly vehicles, including electric and hybrid SUVs.

KGM sold 9,512 vehicles in April, up 6.5% from a year earlier, led by export growth. Domestic sales fell 4.6% to 3,382, while exports rose 13.8% to 6,130. Among export models, Musso topped 6,000 units for the first time in four months, since December 2025, when it sold 7,000.

A KGM official said exports are recovering, with April sales up 6.5% year-on-year and up 4.7% on a cumulative basis. The official said Musso has been well received at home and drew favorable reviews at a global launch event last month, and KGM plans to expand launches by country and strengthen cooperation with local dealers to increase volumes.

GM Korea sold 47,760 vehicles in April, up 14.7% from a year earlier. Domestic sales were 811 and exports were 46,949. It was the company’s third month this year with sales above 40,000 vehicles, following January and March.

Renault Korea sold 6,199 vehicles in April, down 40.5% from a year earlier. Domestic sales fell 23.4% to 4,025, and exports dropped 58% to 2,174.

A Renault Korea official said sales declined as economic uncertainty persisted, including higher oil prices linked to the Middle East war. The official said the company will increase customer promotions starting in May, citing the proven competitiveness of its HEV E-Tech models.

* This article has been translated by AI.

Han Jiyeon