In 2012, vehicle production in Korea decreased by 2.1% y/y to 4.56 million units. While domestic sales (excluding imported cars) fell to 1.41 million units, down 4.3% y/y, exports from Korea increased by 0.6% to 3.71 million, reaching a record high. According to the 2013 outlook that Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) announced in the beginning of the year, vehicle production in Korea will be 4.7 million (up 3.1% from 2012), sales in Korea will be 1.4 million (down 0.8%), and exports will be 3.3 million (up 4.1%).

 In the Korean passenger car market, which has been shrinking, Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai and Kia) maintains a share of over 70%. GM Korea also has a 10% share while Renault Samsung's share decreased from 8% to 4% and Ssangyong's share grew from 3% to 4%. Imported cars led by German brands increased in 2012, accounting for 10% of the passenger car market, up from 8% in 2011.

 Hyundai Motor Group's overseas production surpassed domestic production for the first time as it ramped up its production in Russia, China and Brazil.

 GM Korea plans to invest 8 trillion won over five years to expand production capacities and build six new models in Korea.

 Renault Samsung has been experiencing sluggish sales in and outside Korea. The company will revive its business by starting the production of Nissan Rogue at its Busan plant from 2014 and raising its local content ratio to 80%.

 Ssangyong, which was acquired by India's Mahindra & Mahindra in 2011, has launched its premium SUV Rexton in the Indian market. The Korean company said that it would continue to develop competitive models for global markets.

 According to LMC Automotive's forecast disclosed in January 2013, the Korean light vehicle market (with a GVW of under 6 tons, including imports) in 2013 will stall at around 1.5 million units due to the fast aging population, high vehicle density and high household debt. The situation should significantly improve from 2014 onward although the increase will not exceed 3%. LMC Automotive anticipates that sales should reach 1.6 million units by 2016, and continue to retain around this level until 2019.

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