In brief
In October, South Korea recorded 31,117 newly imported passenger‑car registrations, up 29.3% from a year earlier. Battery‑electric and hybrid vehicles together accounted for nearly half of sales, while Tesla topped foreign‑maker sales with 9,165 units. The surge reflects escalating domestic interest in low‑emission cars and the popularity of German luxury brands.
Seoul, South Korea – In a sharp uptick, the country exported 31,117 new passenger‑car registrations in October, a 29.3% rise from the previous year, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association. The figure underscores a continuing trend that sees South Korea’s foreign‑vehicle market pivoting toward electric and hybrid models.
Monthly growth fed by EV demand
October’s jump is part of a broader quarterly increase: during the first ten months of 2026, 310,846 imported cars were sold, up 24.6% compared with the same period a year earlier. Battery‑powered EVs accounted for 46.4% of those sales, while hybrids represented 45.9%. Gasoline vehicles made up 6.8% and diesel models 0.9%. The near‑equal share of EVs and hybrids reflects the country’s mounting push for low‑emission transport.
Foreign-made models see strong sales
Among the foreign‑maker segment, U.S. automaker Tesla led with 9,165 units sold, followed by German luxury brand Mercedes‑Benz with 6,744 units, BMW with 5,633, and Volvo with 1,682. Chinese maker BYD added 1,594 units. European models totalled 17,573 vehicles, making up 56.5% of all imported cars that month. Market shares for U.S., Japanese, and Chinese brands were 30.0%, 8.0%, and 5.5%, respectively.
The spike in German luxury exports highlights their growing appeal in Korea’s high‑end segment, where buyers favor premium finishes and advanced technology. At the same time, the rise of battery‑electric cars signals a sustained shift in consumer preference toward sustainable mobility. Combined, these trends point to a future where South Korea’s auto market will lean heavily on imported EVs and hybrids, potentially reshaping domestic production strategies and regulatory priorities in the coming years.
