South Korea's automobile exports rose 7 percent year-on-year in July to a record $6.24 billion, driven largely by a 25.5 percent jump in shipments of electric and hybrid vehicles. Demand was particularly strong in North America and the European Union, which saw export growth of 18 percent and 23.5 percent respectively. The results underscore South Korea's growing role as a leading exporter of green-energy vehicles at a pivotal moment in the global automotive industry's shift away from fossil fuels.