[AutoDaily] August, Korean auto-makers' sales have increased globally. Sales volume were 25.1% higher (689,870 vehicles-except CKD) than last year. Domestically sales were 29% higher, with 110,338 vehicles sold. Exports and overseas sales increased with 579,532 vehicles shipped  which are up 24.3% compared to last year around the same time.
 
Domestic sales in August rose because of the holiday season in Korea with SUV's and RV's bringing in the top sales. Especially sales on the Hyundai Tucson IX, Kia Carnival, Chevrolet Orlando, and Ssangyong Korando C have increased over 30% from last August.
 
GM Korea has made their highest market share(10.7%) in the past 5 years. Domestic sales were 13,406 vehicles. This is the highest it's been since September 2008(M/S 12.6%).
 
The Spark, Cruze and Orlando models were the popular sellers. The Damas and the Labo which are supposed to be discontinued at the end of this year also doubled GM Koreas domestic sales from last year.
 
Small and mid-size SUV being sold in the European market is three times. The Spark in the US has sold double than last year.
 
Hyundai and Kia motors' sales are up in spite of the union's strike. Hyundai's overseas factories have seen a significant increase in exports and sales. With the expansion of overseas production in Brazil, China and the US. Hyundai has achieves two-digit growth so far this year.
 
But the strike has created a 50,000 vehicle shortage for the Porter, Santa Fe, Tucson IX and the Grandeur. The Bongo, K5, and Morning have also created a 19,000 vehicle delay from the strike bringing their market share to the lowest this year.
 
The Korando C from Ssangyoung motors has sales contract over 5,000 vehicles in August. It has logged in a backorder of over 4,000 vehicles within the first 20 days.
 
Exports of Ssangyoung vehicles to the Russian market are increasing, but there is a shortage of supply to be exported. So Ssangyoung is now focusing on producing more vehicles during their two shift work day.
 
Renault Samsung's domestic sales rose 27.3% in August (5,094 vehicles). This was the highest record of sales this year. Without any new models introduced, they still saw steady sales. While Renault Samsung's exports decreased, they have plans on exporting their cars to emerging markets in the Middle East, South America and China.
 
 
By Shin Seungyoung.
(translate by Lee Jeonghwa)