South Korea May 2013: Hyundai Sonata and Porter lead tight race

Hyundai Sonata

* See the Top 52 All-models ranking by clicking on the title! Many thanks to Rutger *

Sales of new local models are down 0.2% year-on-year in South Korea to 120,374 registrations (that excludes imports), which brings the year-to-date total to 560,623 units, down 1.1% on 2012. So a stable market all round. And this year the fight for the title of best-selling model in the country is definitely very indecisive, with most models not so fresh anymore and losing ground and market share, so in some way a little grey which is quite surprising given the current (over-)dynamism of Korean brands worldwide…

Has the all-new Kia Carens already peaked in South Korea?

The Hyundai Sonata holds onto its pole position for the 2nd month running and the 4th time in the last 12 months thanks to 8,365 sales and 6.9%, however the Hyundai Porter is only 28 units below at 8,337 and also 6.9% share, while the Hyundai Avante (aka Elantra) is at 8,249 and still 6.9% and the Kia Morning (aka Picanto) is at 8,192 and 6.8%. The Morning is still the most popular car so far in 2013 with 39,734 sales and 7.1% ahead of the Hyundai Sonata (7%) and Grandeur (6.9%). Told you, tight. The two heroes of last month are met with mixed fortunes: on one hand the all-new Kia Carens is already down 4 spots to #25 while the Hyundai Maxcruz (aka Santa Fe XL) is up 10 to #27…

Previous month: South Korea April 2013: Kia Carens and Hyundai Maxcruz up

One year ago: South Korea May 2012: New gen Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia K9 land

Full May 2013 Top 52 All-models Ranking Table below.