South Korea September 2017: Kia Sorento hits record in market up 20%

The facelifted Kia Sorento sells a record 10.016 units at home in September. 

* See the Top 6 local brands and Top 60 models by clicking on the title *

Sales of local vehicles in South Korea leap up 20% year-on-year in September to 133.551 units, pulling the year-to-date tally into positive territory at 1.164.703 registrations, up 1% on the same period a year ago. Brand leader Hyundai vastly outperforms its home market with a 44% surge in September to 58.277 sales and 43.6% share, and its sister brand Kia also delivers a market-beating performance at +25% to 48.019 units and 36% share vs. 33.4% so far this year. Ssangyong slightly trails the market at +18% but overtakes GM Korea (-36%) for third place overall while Renault Samsung drops 20% and Genesis surges 47% thanks to the arrival of the G70. In the models ranking, the Hyundai Grandeur celebrates 10 consecutive months atop the South Korean charts with sales up 245% on the previous generation. The Kia Sorento soars 56% to 10.016 sales, to BSCB’s knowledge the first time this nameplate achieves a five-digit sales figure at home. The Hyundai Porter (+68%) and Avante (+38%) follow, both with spectacular year-on-year gains. The Kia Carnival (+53%) and Bongo (+73%) also impress while the all-new Hyundai Kona gains one spot and 27% on last month to rank 9th, still leading its segment above the Ssangyong Tivoli. Meanwhile, the Kia Stonic is up 17% but down one rank to #24 and the Kia Stinger is up 8% and two spots to #33 but remains 42% below its monthly volume record established last June.

Previous month: South Korea August 2017: Hyundai Kona in Top 10

One year ago: South Korea September 2016: Santa Fe leads, Samsung QM6 in Top 20

Full September 2017 Top 6 local brands and Top 60 models below.