7,357 Units Sold in July Led by Model Y
Tesla reclaimed the top spot in the imported car market in July, just one month after conceding the position to BMW in June. With this, Tesla has solidified its status as one of the top three imported car brands alongside BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA) on August 5, the number of newly registered imported passenger cars last month was 27,090 units, a 23.3% increase compared to the same period last year. However, this figure represents a 2.5% decrease from the previous month. The cumulative total for 2025 through July reached 165,210 units, up 11.9% year-on-year.
By brand, Tesla led with 7,357 units sold. Tesla, led by its new Model Y, recorded its first number one position in the imported car market this year with 6,570 units sold in May, and regained the top spot in July after two months. BMW ranked second with 6,490 units, followed by Mercedes-Benz with 4,472 units.
Next in line were Lexus with 1,369 units, Audi with 1,259 units, Volvo with 1,015 units, Porsche with 1,014 units, Toyota with 779 units, and Mini with 724 units.
The best-selling model was Tesla's Model Y, with 6,559 units sold. This was followed by the BMW 520 with 1,292 units, and Tesla Model 3 with 798 units.
By fuel type, hybrids accounted for nearly half of sales, with 13,469 units (49.7%), making it the most popular category. Electric vehicles totaled 10,193 units, meaning 87.3% of all sales were eco-friendly vehicles. Gasoline-powered internal combustion engines accounted for 3,103 units (11.5%), while diesel vehicles made up 325 units (1.2%).
By purchase type, out of the 27,090 units sold, individual purchases accounted for 17,245 units (63.7%), and corporate purchases for 9,845 units (36.3%).
Some interpret this trend as an improvement in consumer perception of "Chinese-made" vehicles, as more brands such as Tesla and Volvo, which manufacture vehicles in China, are selling cars domestically.
Meanwhile, thanks to Tesla's strong performance, the electric vehicle market share surpassed 30% for the third consecutive month since May. The Atto 3 from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, which entered the Korean market for the first time this year, sold 254 units in July. After delivering its first vehicles to customers in April and selling over 500 units in both April and May, BYD recorded sales of 214 units in June and has now posted sales in the 200-unit range for two consecutive months.
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