Small SUVs vitalize South Korea's recreational vehicle market

The popularity of small-size SUVs is helping to fuel the growth of South Korea's recreational vehicle market, which has seen a rapid spike in demand in recent years, industry watchers said Monday.
Sales of SUVs peaked in 2004, when they accounted for 30.6 percent of all cars sold in the country, but lost ground in the following years as consumers were turned off by their large dimensions, lack of new models and poorer fuel economy compared to sedans. They have, however, made a comeback since 2012 with the introduction of Hyundai Motor Co.'s stylish new Santa Fe Sport.