[THE INVESTOR] Korea’s auto exports rose 10.4 percent in January from a year earlier, led by upbeat sales of SUVs and eco-friendly cars, government data showed on Feb. 13.

A total of 196,835 units worth US$3.24 billion were shipped abroad in the first month of this year, up from 178,371 units in January the previous year, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

“Exports to most markets except North America and Asia increased on the back of the continuing popularity of compact SUVs and eco-friendly cars,” the ministry said in a release. 

Electric vehicles  were among the fastest growing segments as locally made vehicles become more popular abroad. EV shipments jumped 35.7 percent to overseas markets last month. 

Auto sales in the United States, the world’s biggest market, tumbled 50.1 percent due to tough competition from global brands, while exports to the European Union and Middle East rose 27 percent and 52 percent, respectively.

Exports of auto parts declined 6.5 percent to US$1.83 billion over the period on sluggish sales in North America and Asia.

Domestic sales, including imported cars, advanced 8.5 percent on-year to 134,139 units on steady demand for SUVs.

By Song Seung-hyun and newswires (ssh@heraldcorp.com)