Models pose with the new Volvo XC90 at a launch event for the XC90 and S90 held at the Walkerhill Hotel in Gwangjin District, Seoul, on July 2. (Photo: Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 3 (Korea Bizwire) — Sales of imported vehicles in South Korea rose 9.9 percent in the first half from a year earlier, driven by strong demand for newly launched models, industry data showed Thursday.
The number of newly registered imported cars reached 138,120 units in the January-June period, up from 125,652 a year ago, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA).
“The first-half result was boosted by robust sales of new models, such as the Tesla Model Y, Volvo’s all-electric EX30 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), Porsche’s all-electric Macan SUV and Lexus’ LX SUV,” a KAIDA official said.
In a notable development, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD Co. became an official member of the association in March as it seeks to expand its presence in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
BYD began selling passenger vehicles in South Korea in January, starting with the Atto 3 compact SUV. Two additional models — the midsize Seal sedan and the midsize Sealion 7 SUV — are scheduled for release later this year.
In June, registrations of imported cars climbed 9.8 percent to 27,779 units from 25,300 a year earlier.
The three bestselling models during the month were the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model Y Long Range and Mercedes-Benz E200 sedan, the data showed.
Three German automakers — Volkswagen Group Korea, BMW Group Korea and Mercedes-Benz Korea — sold a combined 84,211 vehicles in the first half, up 12 percent from 75,182 units a year earlier.
German brands accounted for six out of every 10 imported vehicles sold in South Korea during the six-month period.
(Yonhap)
