On January 19th, data sourced from Yitan revealed that South Korean automakers broke free from a persistent downward trend in the Chinese market in 2025, achieving a notable sales rebound. Both Hyundai and Kia registered growth during this period. However, a closer look at Shanghai's automotive landscape shows a relatively sparse presence of South Korean car dealerships. Sales personnel at these establishments report that monthly sales figures hover in the low dozens, predominantly comprising budget-friendly, fuel-powered vehicles.

Industry experts opine that while South Korean cars have struggled to gain traction in first-tier city markets, they continue to enjoy a loyal customer base in lower-tier regions, largely attributable to their competitive pricing strategy. Nevertheless, the new energy vehicle sector emerges as a significant Achilles' heel for these automakers. The sustainability of the current rebound trend in the future remains uncertain and is a matter that warrants close observation.