South Korea December 2013: Hyundai Porter #1 again, Samsung QM3 in Top 30

Samsung QM3

* See the Top 52 All-local models by clicking on the title! *

* The Full Year 2013 update is here! *

The South Korean new car market finishes 2013 on a sad note: down 9% year-on-year in December 123,545 registrations (excluding imports) which brings the final 2013 total to 1,375,162 units, down 2% on 2012. Incredibly, the Hyundai Porter holds onto its pole position for the third month in a row and the 4th time in the last 7 months thanks to 8,302 sales and 6.7%. When you take into account the fact that before last June the Porter had never managed to top the South Korean sales charts you can truly appreciate how big this is. The Porter however remains #3 over the Full Year at an identical 6.7% market share. In fact the monthly podium is unchanged on November with the Kia Morning (aka Picanto) at #2 and the Hyundai Avante (aka Elantra) at #3 and lodging its third connective year in first place at year-end.

The Hyundai Porter is #1 for the third consecutive month in December.

Excellent performances of the Chevrolet Spark up 3 spots on November to #5, Kia Sportage R up 3 to #8, SsangYong Korando Sports at #16 vs. #20 in 2013, Samsung SM3 (aka Renault Fluence) up 4 to #18, Kia Pride (aka Rio) up 4 to #20 the Chevrolet Aveo at #27 vs. #32 this year. For its first full month in market, the Samsung QM3 (aka Renault Captur) breaks into the South Korean Top 30 at #29 with 1,084 sales and just under 1% market share.

Previous month: South Korea November 2013: Hyundai Porter resists, Samsung QM3 lands

One year ago: South Korea December 2012: 5 Hyundais in Top 5!

Full December 2013 Top 52 All-local models Ranking Table below.