Sales of Compact SUVs Hit Record High in May

Among models, Ssangyong’s Tivoli is the best-selling car that sold 5,490 units last year. (image: Ssangyong)

SEOUL, June 6 (Korea Bizwire) – Compact sports utility vehicles (SUVs) have gained popularity among younger customers in South Korea as local automakers have released a series of fashionable, fuel-efficient models to grab a bigger chunk of the quickly growing market, industry data showed Sunday. 

A total of 10,216 compact SUVs made by Korean automakers were sold in May, soaring 56.1 percent from a year ago, data by the companies showed. The latest figure broke the previous monthly record of 10,044 in December. 

Since GM Korea Co. released the nation’s first subcompact crossover SUV Trax in 2013, Renault Samsung Motors Co. launched the QM3 in 2014 and Ssangyong Motor Co. debuted the Tivoli in 2005. This year, Kia Motors Corp. released hybrid SUV Niro in April to fuel competition in the segment. 

Among models, Ssangyong’s Tivoli is the best-selling car that sold 5,490 units last year.

(Yonhap)