The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling imported car in South Korea in the first half of this year, according to a report published by Kaizuyu Data Research Institute. The Model Y sales totaled 10,041 units, surpassing sales of the country’s popular luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
This victory marked a significant shift in the imported car market landscape. Model Y sales grew by 395.4% compared to the same period last year. This is the first time that a model other than Mercedes-Benz and BMW has taken first place in half-year sales in the South Korean market. The sales difference between the Model Y and the second-place BMW 5 Series was only 17 units. The BMW 5 Series sold 10,024 units, according to Business Korea.
The fact that the Model Y has become the best-selling car in the country is not Tesla’s only success. With strong sales of Model Y and Model 3, the company ranked in the top 3 of best-selling imported cars. Tesla became the third best-selling imported car brand in South Korea for the first time, with total sales of 17,380 units in the first half of the year. The sales leader was BMW with 34,933 units, followed by Mercedes-Benz with 30,015 units.
“The Model Y recorded sales of 10,041 units in the first half of this year, surpassing Mercedes-Benz and BMW models to become the best-selling imported car,” stated the Kaizuyu Data Research Institute. “This figure represents a 395.4% increase compared to the same period last year.”
Tesla’s rise has dealt a blow to the dominant structure of the “Big Four,” Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen. The Texas manufacturer maintains strong growth dynamics, which could allow it to take third place in the annual sales ranking.
