[THE INVESTOR] South Korean carmakers’ SUV and multipurpose vehicle sales hit a new first-half record this year aided by new models, and the tax cut on new purchases, industry data showed on July 19.

According to industry figures, 271,523 units of SUVs and multipurpose vehicles produced by local carmakers were sold here during the first six months of the year. Compared to the same period last year, the figure is an increase of 8.7 percent. 


This year’s figure is the highest on record, breaking the previous record set in 2002 by about 5,000 units.

By carmaker, Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors dominated the SUV and multipurpose vehicle market, with four of the top five selling vehicles in the segments being produced by the two carmakers. 

The combined sales of the four models -- Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Carnival and Hyundai Tucson in order of sales -- came to about 148,000. The fifth place was taken by Ssangyong Motor’s Tivoli.

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