South Korea Reports Surge in Imported Car Sales

(MENAFN) South Korea's appetite for foreign vehicles accelerated sharply last month, with imported car sales posting strong double-digit growth fueled by surging demand for electric vehicles and premium European marques, fresh industry figures revealed Thursday.

A total of 27,190 imported vehicles changed hands in February — a 34.6 percent jump compared to the same month a year prior — according to statistics released by the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association.

The momentum carried through the broader year-to-date picture as well. Combined sales for January and February reached 48,150 units, reflecting a robust 35.9 percent increase against the equivalent period in 2025.

Tesla dominated the foreign brand rankings, with the American electric vehicle giant moving 7,868 units to claim the top spot among all overseas automakers operating in the South Korean market. German luxury stalwart BMW followed closely in second place with 6,313 vehicles sold, while compatriot Mercedes-Benz secured third with 5,322 units. Lexus posted 1,113 sales, Volvo recorded 1,095 units, Audi shifted 991 vehicles, and Chinese automaker BYD rounded out the rankings with 957 units sold.

European models collectively commanded the largest slice of the import market, with 16,107 units sold — representing 59.2 percent of total February transactions. American brands captured a 30.1 percent share, while Japanese and Chinese marques accounted for 7.1 percent and 3.5 percent respectively.

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