In brief
In October, South Korea recorded a 29.3% increase in imported passenger‑car registrations, totaling 31,117, with battery‑powered EVs making up nearly half of all sales. Tesla led foreign‑maker sales at 9,165 units, followed by German luxury brands. The data, reported by Xinhua, highlights a growing shift toward electric mobility.
South Korea’s import of passenger cars rose sharply in October, with new registrations climbing 29.3 percent year‑on‑year to 31,117, Xinhua reported on Nov. 4, citing the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association.
For the first ten months of 2026, the country sold 310,846 imported vehicles, a 24.6 percent increase compared to the same period of 2025.
Tesla topped the list of foreign‑maker sales, moving 9,165 units, while German automaker Mercedes‑Benz sold 6,744 units and BMW 5,633 units. Volvo and BYD followed with 1,682 and 1,594 units, respectively.
European models accounted for 17,573 sales in October, representing 56.5 percent of the total.
By fuel type, battery‑electric vehicles made up 46.4 percent of all imported registrations, closely trailed by hybrids at 45.9 percent. Gasoline and diesel models comprised 6.8 percent and 0.9 percent, respectively.
The near‑equal split between battery‑electric and hybrid vehicles shows how rapidly South Korea is leaning toward greener mobility.
These figures reflect a broader trend toward electric vehicles and high‑end imports in the country’s automotive market.
