Gross sales of imported gentle passenger automobiles in South Korea jumped by 37% to 38,059 items in June 2026, up from 29,860 items in the identical month final yr, in accordance with registration information launched by the Korea Car Importers & Distributors Affiliation (KAIDA).
Gross sales of imported gentle passenger automobiles within the nation have risen strongly this yr, pushed by robust native demand for battery electrical automobiles (BEVs) and hybrid electrical automobiles (HEVs). Within the first six months of 2026, import gross sales surged by 33% to 184,032 items, up from 138,120 items in the identical interval final yr, strongly outperforming gross sales by the nation’s 5 major automakers, which reported a 3% drop in mixed home gross sales to 663,491 items year-to-date.
Tesla has been behind many of the import section’s robust progress this yr, with deliveries surging nearly threefold to 56,139 items, to develop into the main import model with a 30% share of section gross sales. The US automaker has come below hearth domestically this month for mountain climbing its costs simply after it certified for brand spanking new BEV incentives launched in the beginning of July.
A brand new points-based BEV subsidy analysis system has been launched by the federal government, changing the prevailing automobile range- and efficiency-based system. The brand new system takes into consideration automobile producers’ total technological capabilities, contributions to the nation’s provide chain, compliance with home environmental laws, security administration, and minimal requirements for after-sales providers.
BMW slipped into second place after its gross sales rose by simply over 2% to 39,150 items within the six-month interval, whereas its Mini subsidiary noticed its gross sales rise by 20% to 4,091 items. Collectively, the 2 manufacturers accounted for simply over 23% of whole import gross sales year-to-date. BMW not too long ago launched its new battery-powered iX3 SUV, primarily based on the corporate’s new ‘Neue Klasse’ platform.
Mercedes-Benz’s gross sales fell by 9% to 29,776 items, regardless of the launch of a brand new product offensive earlier within the yr. The corporate, which led the South Korean import section only a few years in the past, plans to usher in ten new and facelifted fashions in 2026 because it seems to be to strengthen its electrified automobile line-up.
Volkswagen Group reported an 8% gross sales rise to 14,775 items year-to-date, led by robust demand for Audi and Porsche fashions. Porsche is presently increasing its gross sales community and plans to launch greater than ten new fashions within the nation this yr. Toyota’s gross sales elevated by 15% to five,187 items, whereas its Lexus division reported a 3% enhance to 7,819 items.
