Will Mini Car Sales in South Korea Stay Under 100,000 Units for the Second Year?
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Synopsis
As mini car sales in South Korea struggle to reach 100,000 units for the second year, the industry faces a shift in consumer preferences and a dearth of new models. What does this mean for the future of mini cars in the country?
Key Takeaways
- Mini car sales are projected to remain below 100,000 units for a second consecutive year.
- Current sales data shows a 27.3% decline in sales compared to the previous year.
- The absence of new models is a significant factor in the downturn.
- Consumer preferences are shifting towards small SUVs.
- The used car market for mini cars continues to show robust demand.
Seoul, Nov 16 (NationPress) The sales of mini cars by the five major automakers in South Korea are projected to remain under 100,000 units for the second consecutive year in 2025, as indicated by industry data released on Sunday. This trend is attributed to a notable absence of new models and changing consumer preferences.
From January to October, these five manufacturers—Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Corp., GM Korea Co., Renault Korea Motors, and KG Mobility Corp.—reported a total of 60,004 mini car sales, reflecting a 27.3 percent decrease from 82,485 units sold during the same period last year, according to their sales reports.
If this trend persists, annual mini car sales are anticipated to reach approximately 70,000 units this year, marking a historically low figure, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Last year, GM Korea ceased production of its Chevrolet Spark, resulting in total annual mini car sales dipping below 100,000 units for the first time, falling to 98,743 vehicles, as shown in the data.
Current mini car models available in the South Korean market include Hyundai’s Casper and Kia’s Ray and Morning.
The ongoing decline seems to be a result of a shortage of new mini car models, delays in forthcoming launches, and an increasing consumer inclination towards small SUVs, driven by a rising interest in outdoor activities like camping and fishing.
“Mini car sales are likely to continue their sluggish trend as no new models are set for release in the near future,” stated an industry insider.
Conversely, the demand for mini cars in the used car market remains strong amidst a prolonged economic downturn.
In the third quarter used car sales rankings, Kia's Morning claimed the top spot, followed by GM's Spark and Kia's Ray in second and fourth places, respectively, according to auto industry tracker Carisyou.
Meanwhile, South Korea's three midsized car manufacturers have experienced poor domestic sales through the third quarter of 2025, trailing behind major foreign brands due to a lack of new models, the data revealed.
The combined domestic sales of Renault Korea Motors, KG Mobility Corp., and GM Korea Co. totaled 82,464 units as of September, according to data compiled by Carisyou, raising concerns that their annual sales may barely reach 100,000 units this year, which would also be a record low.
In 2024, the three manufacturers' total domestic sales were 109,101 units.
Point of View
It is evident that the mini car segment in South Korea faces significant challenges. The lack of new models and changing consumer preferences towards larger vehicles highlight a critical turning point for automakers. The industry must adapt quickly to these shifts to regain consumer interest.
NationPress
16/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are mini car sales declining in South Korea?
Mini car sales are declining due to a lack of new models, delays in launches, and a growing preference for small SUVs among consumers.
What is the current sales figure for mini cars in South Korea?
As of October, the sales figure for mini cars in South Korea stands at 60,004 units, a decrease from the previous year's 82,485 units.
What are the most popular mini car models in South Korea?
Popular mini car models currently in the market include Hyundai's Casper and Kia's Ray and Morning.
How has the used car market for mini cars fared?
Despite the decline in new mini car sales, the used car market remains strong, with high demand noted for models like Kia's Morning.
What concerns exist regarding the future of mini cars in South Korea?
Concerns revolve around the continuous lack of new models and the potential for annual sales to dip even lower, possibly below 70,000 units.
