Recently, the used car export market has been growing rapidly and is taking up an important portion of the global automobile industry. In particular, as demand for used cars increases, especially in developing countries, competition among countries is becoming fiercer, and accordingly, Korea also needs an active response strategy.

The Korea Automobile Research Institute recently published an industrial analysis Vol. 148 published a report titled ‘The Rise of the Used Car Export Market and the Need for a Strategic Response.’

According to this, used car exports are continuously increasing due to environmental and economic factors.

As new car prices rise and environmentally friendly policies that take sustainability into account are strengthened, the culture of using existing vehicles for longer is spreading.

In particular, countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia prefer cheaper used cars over new cars, which has further activated the used car market.

Korea has a relatively high level of vehicle maintenance and management, giving it the advantage of being able to export quality used cars.

On the other hand, changes in regulations in each country, intensifying export competition, and market reorganization centered on eco-friendly cars may affect Korea's used car export strategy.

In order for Korea to secure competitiveness in the global used car export market, several strategic responses are necessary.


First, it is important to analyze each country's export regulations and demand characteristics and establish a model and pricing policy tailored to these.

For example, in Africa, there is a high demand for durable SUVs and pickup trucks, while in Southeast Asia, economy-friendly small vehicles are preferred. A customized supply strategy that takes into account country-specific characteristics is needed.

We must actively promote exports of electric and hybrid vehicles.

As many countries, including Europe and North America, strengthen environmental regulations, demand for used eco-friendly vehicles is expected to increase.

Accordingly, Korea should establish a support policy for the export of used eco-friendly vehicles and ensure that exporters actively utilize this policy.

To build trust in the global market, the quality certification system for used cars must be further systematized.

Through this, Korean used cars can establish a brand image as trustworthy vehicles and increase quality competitiveness as well as price competitiveness.

We need to move away from traditional offline transaction methods and actively utilize online platforms.

As the global e-commerce market grows rapidly, online transactions for used cars are also increasing.

Korea needs to strengthen its base for exporting used cars by utilizing digital platforms and attract more overseas buyers.

Government-level support is also needed.

In particular, it is important to ensure that used car exporters can receive various financial support and to build infrastructure to reduce logistics costs.

We should also review trade agreements and tariff policies between countries to ensure smoother exports.

The used car export market is expected to continue to grow in the future. In particular, demand for used cars will increase further due to rising new car prices and strengthening global environmental policies.

Korea has a large stock of high-quality used cars and should explore various ways to strategically leverage them. A sustainable growth model must be established by comprehensively considering various factors such as customized strategies for export destinations, expansion of eco-friendly vehicles, strengthening of quality certification, expansion of digital distribution networks, and government support.

As used car exports are likely to become an important element in establishing a sustainable automobile industry beyond simple vehicle movement, Korea needs to respond actively to this. If a strategic response is made to the changing global market, Korea will be able to establish itself as a new powerhouse in used car exports.