Korea Hot Stocks-Carmakers, Kumho Tire, KT, shipping firms, KEB

SEOUL, March 3 (Reuters) - Stocks on the move on Monday include:

As of 0530 GMT, the main KOSPI was down 2.47 percent to 1,669.27 points as renewed U.S. recession fears following weak economic data hit exporters such as LG Electronics (066570.KS).

The index opened 2.06 percent lower at 1,676.30 points.

**CARMAKERS RECOVER ON FEB SALES, EARNINGS HOPE**

Shares in South Korea's top auto makers, Hyundai Motor Co (005380.KS) and Kia Motors Corp (000270.KS), recovered from early losses on February sales data and hopes for better earnings this year.

Analysts said solid domestic demand and competitiveness in emerging markets will help Hyundai and Kia to weather weakeness in the U.S. economy.

Hyundai Motor was trading down 0.3 percent at 66,600 won and Kia was up 0.31 percent to 9,770 won, holding out against big falls in the wider market.

"February sales data showed Hyundai and Kia outperformed smaller rivals," said Ahn Soo-woong, an analyst at Woori Investment & Securities.

"Despite the weak U.S. economy and rising raw material prices, their earnings will increase this year helped by new models and improved competitiveness."