SEOUL, July 20 (Yonhap) — The number of newly registered vehicles in South Korea increased by 12% in the first six months of the year compared to the same period in 2020, due to higher sales of eco-friendly models, the transport ministry reported Thursday.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the total number of registered cars was 918,385 in the first half of 2021, up from 822,043 in the same period of last year.
“Registrations of diesel and liquefied petroleum gas-powered vehicles are decreasing, while registrations of electric, hybrid and other fuel-efficient models are increasing,” the statement said.
As of the end of June, the total number of registered vehicles in the country was 25.76 million, a 1% increase from the 25.5 million registered at the end of December.
Registrations of eco-friendly vehicles rose 16% to 1.84 million in the first six months of the year, with electric models increasing 19% to 464,928.
As carmakers accelerate their transition to electric vehicles to combat climate change, demand for diesel cars is expected to continue to decline due to stricter emissions regulations.
This file photo provided by Hyundai Motor Co. shows the all-electric Ioniq 5. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr
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