Last year, the five major automakers in South Korea sold 415,921 hybrid vehicles, expanding their lineup from compact SUVs to luxury cars.
Hyundai Motor Group’s five automakers sold 415,921 HEVs last year Expanding lineup from compact SUVs to luxury cars
[The Fact|Reporter Hwang Ji-hyang] Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are emerging as a key player in the electrification transition of the South Korean auto market. As electric vehicle adoption slows, demand for HEVs, which require less frequent charging, is surging. Last year, hybrid sales from domestic automakers exceeded 30% for the first time, and competition is set to intensify this year with luxury brands and compact SUVs joining the fray.
According to vehicle registration data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport released on February 10, the five major South Korean automakers – Hyundai, Kia, GM Korea, Renault Korea, and KG Mobility – sold a total of 1,373,221 vehicles domestically last year. Of these, 415,921 were hybrids, accounting for 30.3% of total sales – a first for the domestic market.
Hybrid sales have seen rapid growth in recent years. Market share rose from 10.4% in 2021 to 13.2% in 2022, then to 19.5% in 2023, with projections reaching 26.5% by 2024. Unit sales also grew significantly, increasing from 149,489 to 415,921 during this period.
Analysts attribute this trend to the slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles. While factors such as limited charging infrastructure, long charging times, and high vehicle prices continue to deter EV adoption, hybrids offer a practical alternative. They provide improved fuel efficiency, quieter operation, and lower maintenance costs without the need for separate charging.
Although the EV market continues to grow, its share of total domestic vehicle sales remains limited. The Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) reports that 220,177 EVs were registered last year, a 50.1% increase from the previous year, but only accounting for about 9.3% of total auto sales. Nearly half of these new registrations were imported EVs, including Tesla and Chinese brands, which has constrained sales growth for domestic automakers.
Hybrid demand has primarily expanded in the mid-size and large SUV segments. The Kia Sorento HEV led sales with 69,862 units, followed by the Carnival HEV with 46,458 units, and the Hyundai Santa Fe HEV with 43,064 units.
Renault Korea’s Grand Koleos E-Tech HEV sold 35,352 units last year, ranking sixth in overall hybrid sales. It was the only non-Hyundai or Kia brand to crack the top ten. This indicates that hybrids have become the dominant powertrain in the mid-size and larger SUV market, which is seeing increased demand for family vehicles.
In the imported vehicle market, hybrids have also gained prominence, surpassing a 50% share. The Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association (KAIDA) reports that out of 307,377 newly registered imported passenger vehicles last year, hybrids accounted for 174,218 units or 56.7%. EVs followed at 91,253 units (29.7%), gasoline vehicles at 38,512 units (12.5%), and diesel vehicles at 3,394 units (1.1%). This demonstrates that hybrids have established themselves as a key powertrain in the imported vehicle market as well.
The hybrid market is expected to expand further this year. Genesis is preparing to launch its first hybrid model, while Kia plans to introduce the new Seltos HEV to strengthen its position in the compact SUV market. BYD is also considering the introduction of its plug-in hybrid model, DM-i, as part of its diverse electrification strategy.
An industry insider stated, “The ability to secure both profitability and sales stability during the transition to electric vehicles is a key factor driving the expansion of hybrids. Major brands are likely to continue leveraging hybrids as strategic models moving forward.”
hyang@tf.co.kr
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