Korea Auto Industry Posts Double-Digit Gains Across All Key Indicators in January 2026

Eco-Friendly Vehicle Exports Reach 42 Percent Share as Hybrids Surge 85 Percent

In January 2026, automobile export volume increased 23.4 percent year-on-year, with domestic sales up 14.0 percent, and production up 24.1 percent. There were three fewer working days in January 2025 than in 2026 since the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday fell on January 25–30. Nevertheless, the strong growth in eco-friendly vehicle exports remained clearly evident. Automobile exports totaled USD 6.1 billion, up 21.7 percent year-on-year, the second-highest January export value on record. Eco-friendly vehicle exports accounted for 42 percent of the total, led by hybrid vehicles at USD 1.7 billion (