Ssangyong Motor Co. has secured its third place in the automobile industry thanks to its record sales in 15 years. The motor company said on Jan. 2 that it sold 143,309 units, including 109,140 in domestic sales and 34,169 in exports, over the past year.
Domestic sales rose by 2.3 percent, but exports fell by 7.7 percent. Overall, its sales dropped by 0.3 percent from the previous year. However, it rose to third place in the industry thanks to the biggest sales performance at home in 15 years.
A Ssangyong official explained, "Despite the sluggish sales in the domestic auto industry, its domestic sales have grown for nine consecutive years due to the success of Tivoli and Lexton Sports."
Lexton Sports, which was released in Korea last year, recorded more than 42,000 units in domestic sales, the biggest performance in the initial year in the history of sports brand.
"With the favorable sales of Tivoli brand and the successful launch of Lexton Sports, domestic sales have been on the rise for the nine consecutive years," said Choi Jong-sik, CEO of Ssangyong Motor.