South Korean Minicar Sales Plunge to Historic Low as SUVs Dominate the Market
South Korea's Small Car Market Hits a Speed Bump Domestic sales of minicars in South Korea reached a record low in 2025, signaling a significant shift in consumer preference within the nation's automotive landscape. According to data from the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) and Carisyou Data Lab, only 74,600 new mini passenger cars were sold last year, a sharp 24.8% decline from 2024. Record Low: This marks the first time in two decades that annual sales fell into the 70,000-unit range, a far cry from the peak of 216,221 units recorded in 2012. Lack of New Options: The industry has seen a drought of new models since the launch of the Hyundai Casper in 2021 and the Kia Ray EV in 2023. SUV Dominance: Analysts attribute the slump to the overwhelming popularity of small SUVs, which offer more space and features for consumers willing to pay a premium. Korea Context: The 'Gyeong-cha' Culture In South Korea, minicars—locally known as Gyeong-cha (light ca...
