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Korea Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Tesla tops monthly imported car sales for 1st time in Korea
Tesla has claimed the top spot in monthly imported car sales in the South Korean market for the first time. According to data from the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association on Friday, the US-based electric vehicle powerhouse sold 6,570 units in May, a 57.7 percent increase compared to the previous year. It outpaced Mercedes-Benz's 6,415 units and BMW's 6,405 units. The two German carmakers have traditionally dominated the top two positions in South Korea's imported car sector. Porsche and Lexus secured fourth and fifth places, selling 1,192 units and 1,134 units, followed by Volvo's 1,129 units in the same period. Tesla's stellar performance was driven by the strong demand for the newly launched Model Y. Released in April, this new flagship mid-size SUV sold 4,961 units, accounting for 94.9 percent of Tesla's sales. The Model Y Long Range, boasting approximately 500 kilometers driving range — 100 kilometers longer than the standard model — also sold 1,276 units. The EV maker's robust sales have partly boosted the overall domestic imported car market. Last month's imported car sales reached 28,189 units, marking a 16.4 percent increase from last year. The cumulative sales from January to May rose by 10 percent, totaling 100,352 units. 'The rise in new registrations of imported passenger cars in May can be attributed to a steady supply from certain brands and the impact of new model launches,' stated KAIDA Vice Chairman Jung Yoon-young. Although Jung did not specify Tesla as the key contributor, figures show Tesla's two Model Y variants were named as the first and third best-selling models, respectively. Industry insiders point to Tesla focusing its supply on Korea, which has likely led to a sales boost, amid global declines. From January to April, the company saw sales drops of 34.6 percent in Europe and 9.1 percent in North America.
Korea Herald
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Mercedes-Benz doubles down on high-end strategy in Korean market
At the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, Mercedes-Benz Korea gave visitors a glimpse of where luxury driving is headed. Alongside its latest premium models, the brand introduced a range of personalized services designed to reflect the evolving tastes of Korean consumers. This initiative is part of Mercedes-Benz Korea's broader strategy to elevate its luxury positioning in 2025. By launching high-end vehicles and tailored experiences, the company continues to align with its global vision: 'The world's most desirable cars.' Leading the lineup was the Korean debut of the fully redesigned second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT — a bold, two-door coupe that delivers true sports car performance while staying rooted in the brand's signature design DNA. Also making its debut was the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe. With clean lines, powerful performance and cutting-edge technology, the model is set to launch in Korea in the second half of the year. Taking exclusivity to the next level, Mercedes-Benz Korea showcased the limited-edition AMG E 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ Edition 1. With just 10 available in Korea, the model pairs hybrid innovation with striking design and is priced at 160.8 million won ($112,000). To meet growing demand for personalization, the brand also presented its flagship 'Manufaktur' customization program, giving discerning customers the opportunity to match every detail — from leather texture to interior finishes — to their individual tastes. Sales continue to underscore the brand's strong presence in Korea. The 11th-generation E-Class was once again the best-selling imported model in 2024, maintaining its top spot for the tenth consecutive year. The G-Class recorded a sales high of 2,613 units, with both the G-Class and Mercedes-Maybach surpassing 10,000 cumulative sales in the country. The S-Class also led sales in the imported full-size internal combustion sedan segment, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association. Since 2016, Korea has been the third-largest global market for the S-Class, following only China and the United States — further proof that Mercedes-Benz remains the preferred choice for Korea's luxury drivers.
