New figures released by the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA) highlight the increasing penetration of diesel-fuelled vehicles into the South Korean car market.

According to the statistics, diesel-fuelled vehicles accounted for 659,079 (49.8 per cent) of the 1,324,027 vehicles registered in the country last year. This represents a 16.7 gain in percentage points compared to sales in 2000.

Furthermore, during the last four months of the year diesel-car sales exceeded 50 per cent, thanks to the popularity of sport utility vehicles.

During the same period sales of gasoline-powered cars remained stagnant in the low 30-per cent region.

KAMA is also anticipating further growth next year following government approval of local sales of diesel-powered passenger cars.

With the launch of diesel-engine compacts in 2005 by Hyundai and Kia, the upward trend in diesel-powered cars is expected to continue.

Industry analysts cited by the Asian Times explained that diesel engines have a number of clear advantages over gasoline engines.

For example diesel fuel is roughly 40 per cent cheaper than gasoline, while auto taxes for diesel-engine cars are a quarter of those for gasoline-powered vehicles.

Noise, vibrations and exhaust from diesel engines have also been reduced thanks to technological advances.