[THE INVESTOR] Hyundai Motor Group’s automobile sales during the first six months of the year dropped while most major competitors advanced, industry data showed on Aug. 7.

According to industry data, Hyundai Motor’s sales fell 0.9 percent from a year ago, while that of Kia Motors slid 4.7 percent. The decline recorded by Kia Motors is the highest among the world’s largest carmakers.

Overall, the world’s automobile market saw a decline of 0.9 percent coming in at about 2.39 million units during the first six half of the year. The decline was brought on by the sluggish global economy, and weak demand in emerging markets, carmakers say. 




Along with two South Korean carmakers, GM and Fiat Chrysler each saw their first-half sales by 1.2 percent and 1 percent, respectively.

In contrast, German automakers -- BMW, Volkswagen and Daimler -- saw their sales rise by as much as 6.6 percent, the data showed.

Japanese firms also fared well despite the global slowdown, with Honda leading the way with a year-on-year increase of 6.7 percent.

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