Hyundai, Kia’s China market share show first on-year rise

[THE INVESTOR] Hyundai Motor Group’s share of the Chinese market rose in May from a year ago aided by rising SUV sales. According to industry data, the combined market share of Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors came in at 9.2 percent in May, rising 0.2 percentage points compared to the same month last year.

The data showed that the two carmakers sold 150,450 units, excluding small commercial vehicles, in May. Compared to May 2015, the figure is an increase of 16.6 percent. 

Much of the rise was accounted for by SUV models, the sales of which soared 85.4 percent from a year ago.

Until May, the two carmakers’ monthly market share had slipped for four consecutive months from January to April.

Overall, China’s May automobile sales came in at just over 1.63 million units, with Volkswagen taking the largest share with 18.4 percent, followed by GM with 10.4 percent.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)