South Korea Car Finance Market

South Korea Car Finance Market Outlook – 2030

The South Korea car finance market size was valued at $29.42 Billion in 2020, and is projected to reach $43.58 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2021 to 2030.

In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, shortage in supply of raw materials and logistics has severely disrupted the supply chain of automotive and delayed new product launches in the South Korean market. Therefore, owing to these factors, the buying behavior of consumers has changed, which has forced them to postpone their buying decision during the pandemic situation.

Car finance is a type of finance provided by financing companies or specialist car manufacturers. In addition, it includes various financial products such as loans & leases, which allows customers to obtain a car. Moreover, car finance products & services are primarily distributed through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), banks, credit unions, brokers, and other financial institutions. Furthermore, car or auto financing services allow borrowers to purchase vehicles without making complete payments in cash.

Moreover, several banks in the country have started upgrading their auto loan and financing services, aiming to go beyond their traditional business to attract mobile-first customers. For instance, KB Financial Group, the nation’s one of the leading banking group, has expanded its car financing services offered via online and mobile platforms, mostly through its leasing and installment financing unit KB Capital. In addition, KB Capital signed a deal with Volvo’s electric vehicle brand Polestar that allows customers to choose the type of car and financing they want on the same online platform. The fast and easy service takes just 60 seconds to complete and marks the first of its kind between an automaker and a financial institution in South Korea. Therefore, these are some of the major South Korea car finance market trends.

The report focuses on growth prospects, restraints, and trends of the South Korea car finance market analysis. The study provides Porter’s five forces analysis to understand the impact of various factors, such as bargaining power of suppliers, competitive intensity of competitors, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and bargaining power of buyers, on the South Korea car finance industry.

Segment Review

The South Korea car finance market is segmented on the basis of distribution channel, vehicle age, application, purpose and region. In terms of distribution channel, it is segmented into banks, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), credit unions, and others which includes financing institutions and auto finance companies (AFCs). On the basis of vehicle age, it is segmented into new vehicles and used vehicles. Based on application, it is divided into personal and commercial. In terms of purpose, it is bifurcated into loans and lease.

Competitive Analysis

The key players profiled in the South Korea car finance industry are Bank of America Corporation, BMW Group Financial Services Korea, Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc., Hyundai Capital Services, Inc., IBK (Industrial Bank of Korea), Renault Finance, RCI Financial Services, SHINHAN FINANCIAL GROUP, Toyota Financial Services and Truist. These players have adopted various strategies to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. These key players have adopted strategies, such as product portfolio expansion, mergers & acquisitions, agreements, regional expansion, and collaboration, to enhance their market penetration.

Covid-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the South Korea car finance market since the demand for purchasing new cars or used cars went drastically low pertaining to the lockdown and transportation ban in the country. Moreover, the income levels of South Koreans decreased, due to which most of the consumers postponed their plans to purchase cars during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, these factors led to a decrease in demand for car finance in South Korea. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the South Korea car finance market.

Top Impacting Factors

Growth in Average Price of Vehicles in South Korea

Rise in massive demand for new car models and branded cars in South Korea has become one of the major growth factors in the market. As consumer trends and preferences toward car purchases have increased tremendously, demand for car financing & loans is expected to rise and is expected to maintain its dominance in the market. Therefore, with rise in demand for cars, the average price of vehicles in South Korea has increased simultaneously. Thus, massive rise in vehicle prices urge consumers to switch from direct purchases to auto financing in the market. For instance, Hyundai Motor Co.'s average sales price for its vehicles has increased sharply in South Korea over a span of one-and-a-half years during 2020. The average sales price (ASP) of Hyundai vehicles in South Korea was 33.4 million won ($28,100) as of the second quarter of the year, which increased by 19.3% from 29.2 million won in 2018. As a result, these huge prices imposed over average price of vehicles are anticipated to boost growth of the South Korea car finance market outlook.   

Rise in Ridesharing Services

Rise in alternative solutions to travel by car hampers the South Korea car finance market growth. Cab services in South Korea is growing rapidly and public transport of South Korea is also majorly considered as a mode of transport for citizens. In addition, availability of cabs, busses and metros have reduced the demand for purchasing new cars. Moreover, South Koreans mostly prefer to walk instead of driving personal vehicles, as they are more environmental conscious.  Therefore, auto financing companies & commercial vehicle loan providers have limited demand for car finance in the country. Therefore, rise in ridesharing services is a major factor hampering the growth of South Korea car finance market.  

Improvement in the Standard of Living of South Koreans

The standard of living of South Koreans is higher as compared to other countries citizens as the per capita income of the citizens is higher. Therefore, for a better lifestyle, consumers have increased demand for luxurious cars. Moreover, South Korea is an expensive country. Indeed, the capital Seoul frequently ranks as one of the world's most expensive cities to live in. In 2021, Seoul ranked 11th out of 209 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey. Therefore, to afford the standard of living and purchase cars, which is considered as a basic necessity, consumers are taking quick car finance options for purchasing cars. Thus, these factors will provide major lucrative opportunities for the growth of the South Korea car finance market.

Key Benefits for Stakeholders

• The study provides in-depth analysis of the South Korea car finance market share along with current & future trends to illustrate the imminent investment pockets.
• Information about key drivers, restrains, & opportunities and their impact analysis on the South Korea car finance market size are provided in the report.
• Porter’s five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers and suppliers operating in the South Korea car finance market.
• An extensive analysis of the key segments of the industry helps to understand the South Korea car finance market forecast period.
• The quantitative analysis of the South Korea car finance market from 2021 to 2030 is provided to determine the market potential.

 South Korea Car Finance Market Report Highlights