SEOUL, Aug. 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's auto exports rose 7 percent in July from a year earlier to a new record high, driven by strong demand for environment-friendly models, data showed Thursday.

The combined value of automobile shipments came to US$6.24 billion last month, according to data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources, setting a new record for any July.

The ministry said exports of eco-friendly automobiles maintained solid growth, surging 25.5 percent from a year earlier to $2.59 billion.

Outbound shipments to North America and the European Union climbed 18 percent and 23.5 percent, respectively, to $3.25 billion and $880 million.

Domestically, 139,000 vehicles were sold last month, up 0.5 percent from a year earlier. The number of locally produced cars rose 11.3 percent to 352,000, the ministry said.

Six out of 10 vehicles sold in the domestic market were all-electric, gasoline hybrid or other eco-friendly models.

"By closely communicating with the industry, the government plans to cope with uncertainties in the automobile industry during this critical period of transition toward future mobility solutions," a government official said.

kyongae.choi@yna.co.kr

(END)

  • From 'BTS Boulevard' to U.S. governor's praise: BTS sweeps N. America on 'Arirang' tour
  • BTS' V reveals hearing loss, Jungkook performs through shin injury on world tour
  • TWICE's Jeongyeon leaves JYP to pursue acting career
  • Gemini, BTS collaboration on display at Las Vegas Sphere

  • Pyeongtaek city fails to reach U.S. military via hotline over reported white phosphorus leak: official

  • From 'BTS Boulevard' to U.S. governor's praise: BTS sweeps N. America on 'Arirang' tour

  • BTS' V reveals hearing loss, Jungkook performs through shin injury on world tour
  • TWICE's Jeongyeon leaves JYP to pursue acting career
  • Pyeongtaek city fails to reach U.S. military via hotline over reported white phosphorus leak: official

  • (LEAD) Pyeongtaek city fails to reach U.S. military via hotline over reported white phosphorus leak: official

  • BTS' V reveals hearing loss, Jungkook performs through shin injury on world tour

  • Actor Ha Young apologizes over controversy surrounding family's pro-Japanese past
  • (3rd LD) N. Korea conducts another missile launch ahead of key S. Korea-U.S. military drills
  • (LEAD) Lee says 7 future industries will serve as new growth engines, strategic assets
  • (4th LD) N. Korea conducts another missile launch ahead of key S. Korea-U.S. military drills