Seoul: Sales of mini cars by South Korea's five automakers are expected to remain below 100,000 units for a second consecutive year in 2025, industry data showed, amid a lack of new models and shifting consumer preferences.

According to Yonhap News Agency, from January to October, the five carmakers -- Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Corp., GM Korea Co., Renault Korea Motors, and KG Mobility Corp. -- sold a combined 60,004 mini cars, down 27.3 percent from 82,485 units a year earlier, based on their sales data. If the current trend persists, annual mini car sales are anticipated to be around 70,000 units this year, marking a record-low level.

GM Korea's halt in production of its Chevrolet Spark last year contributed to total annual mini car sales falling below 100,000 units for the first time, reaching 98,743 vehicles. Currently available mini car models in the domestic market include Hyundai Motor's Casper, and Kia's Ray and Morning.

The decline seems to be driven by a shortage of new mini car models, delays in upcoming launches, and a growing consumer preference for small sport utility vehicles (SUVs) amid rising demand for outdoor leisure activities, such as camping and fishing. An industry official noted, "Mini car sales are expected to remain sluggish as no new models are scheduled for release for the time being."

Despite the downturn in new mini car sales, demand remains strong in the used-car market amid a prolonged economic slowdown. In third-quarter used-car sales rankings, Kia's Morning secured the top position, followed by GM's Spark in second and Kia's Ray in fourth, according to auto industry tracker Carisyou.