This undated file photo shows a Mercedes-Benz dealership center in Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — Sales of imported electric vehicles (EVs) in South Korea reached an all-time annual high during the January-November period, industry data showed Friday.
According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA), the number of imported EVs sold during the 11 month-period, excluding Tesla models, stood at 23,251, beating the previous annual record of 23,202 units sold last year.
KAIDA doesn’t include Tesla in its tally, as the company is not a registered member of the association.
Industry watchers project the annual tally for the entirety of 2023 to exceed 25,000 units.
Company-wise, Mercedes-Benz sold 7,570 units, followed by BMW with 7,160 units and Chevrolet with 1,864 units. Mercedes-Benz and BMW EVs saw 76 percent and 71 percent on-year sales growths, respectively.
Industry experts cited an expansion in available EV models and increased brand loyalty toward foreign car companies for the growth of sales.
(Yonhap)
