The Korean automotive industry's output, domestic consumption and exports saw double-digit growth in each of the first two months of this year. The photo shows finished vehicles on Nov. 5, 2020, ready for shipping at Hyundai Motor's factory in Ulsan. (Yonhap News)

By Lee Jihae

The production, domestic sales and exports of domestically made vehicles have seen double-digit growth for two consecutive months.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on March 15 said in a report on February's automotive trends that output grew 37.9%, domestic consumption 24.2% and exports 35% from the same month last year.

Thus the three categories saw double-digit rises in the first two months of the year, a first since that seen in 2017 from August to September.

Overall automotive output last month reached 269,958 units thanks to the expansion of exports.

Despite fewer working days due to the Seollal (Lunar New Year) holiday, a boost in the sales of new models such as the Carnival and GV70 led to domestic sales last month hitting 123,317 units.

Exports for the month reached 161,886 units thanks to more shipments of sport-utility and electric vehicles and recovery in the global automotive market. The export amount rose 47% to USD 3.53 billion.

The export of eco-friendly vehicles surged 102.6% to USD 700 million, with their number rising 70.9% to 24,932 units. The number of exported units and their sum last month both set record highs for February.

jihlee08@korea.kr