SEOUL– GM Korea and Renault Korea Motors reported declines in annual vehicle sales in 2025, weighed down by weak domestic demand and slowing exports, according to company statements released on Monday.
GM Korea, the South Korean unit of General Motors, said its total sales fell 7.5 percent in 2025 to 462,310 vehicles, compared with 499,559 units sold in 2024. The company recorded declines in both domestic and overseas markets.
Domestic sales dropped sharply by 39.2 percent year-on-year to 15,094 units, while exports slipped 5.8 percent to 447,216 units. In December alone, domestic sales fell 36.6 percent from a year earlier to 1,142 units, while exports edged down 0.3 percent to 51,358 units.
Gustavo Colossi, GM Korea’s vice president of sales and services, said the company plans to strengthen its brand presence in South Korea in 2026 by introducing a broader lineup of GMC and Buick models, while continuing to deliver high-quality services through its service network.
Renault Korea Motors, the local unit of Renault S.A., also reported weaker performance, with total sales declining 17.7 percent in 2025 to 88,044 vehicles, down from 106,939 units a year earlier.
The company said domestic sales rose 31.3 percent year-on-year to 52,271 units, supported by strong demand for the Grand Koleos sport utility vehicle, which saw an 85.5 percent increase in sales. However, exports plunged 46.7 percent to 35,773 units, dragging down overall performance.
Exports of the Arkana and QM6 SUVs fell sharply by 54 percent and 96.2 percent, respectively, the company said.
Renault Korea said its export performance is expected to improve in the new year as shipments of the Polestar 4 electric SUV ramp up. The company began full-scale contract manufacturing of the Polestar 4 at its Busan plant last year. (Source: IANS)
