Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Sport utility vehicle boom gaining speed
By Park Jin-hai
The annual sales of sport utility vehicles have passed 300,000 for the first time, according to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) Monday.
Domestic sales of SUVs by five local carmakers stood at 300,475 in the first 11 months of the year, KAMA said.
The figure exceeds the previous record of 297,594 registered in 2002.
The local market share for the leisure-oriented vehicle shot up to take 27.8 percent of the overall automotive market, the largest portion ever.
"Consumers' preference for SUVs or minivans for outdoor activities instead of other family-friendly sedans has become more evident," an industry official said. “SUVs will continue to enjoy stronger demand.”
SUV sales peaked 10 years ago, accounting for 30.6 percent of all cars sold in the country.
However, they have since slowly lost market share with annual sales falling as low as 168,520 in 2008 when consumers turned to sedans that had better fuel economy and a wider selection of new models.
They made a comeback in 2009, when Hyundai Motor launched its Tucson ix. Together with the launch of new Santa Fe Sport in 2012, the successive launching of stylish SUVs triggered the boost in their sales. In 2013, SUV sales increased to 290,722.
Hyundai and Kia Motors sold more than 60 percent. Hyundai sold 123,261 SUVs and Kia 86,379. Ssangyong Motor sold 50,388, followed by Renault Samsung Motors and GM Korea selling 22,997 and 17,450, respectively, between January and November.
By model, Hyundai’s Santa Fe took the honor of best-selling SUV model, selling 72,097, while Kia’s Sportage R and Tucson ix followed at 44,229 and 38,768, respectively.
Kia also saw its all-new Sorento, launched in August, reach some 18,000 in sales, while Renault Samsung's QM3 mini-crossover contributed around 14,000.
Customers of imported cars have also turned to SUVs, with Volkswagen’s Tuguan being the best-selling vehicle among imported vehicles.
"With imported brands also strengthening their SUV lineups, the SUV market in Korea will expand even more down the road," the industry official said.