Tesla has extended its run as South Korea’s top-selling imported automaker, finishing September comfortably ahead of BMW and Mercedes-Benz as the Model Y continues to drive the brand’s rapid growth in the country.
According to new data from the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA), Tesla registered 12,372 vehicles in September, giving it a 35.5% share of the imported passenger vehicle market. That marks the eighth consecutive month Tesla has held the top spot, a streak dating back to February.
Tesla’s lead was substantial. BMW finished September with 6,066 registrations, followed by Mercedes-Benz with 5,477 and BYD with 2,614. In fact, Tesla sold more vehicles than BMW and Mercedes-Benz combined during the month.
Once again, the Model Y was responsible for most of that volume. KAIDA data shows 11,421 Model Y registrations in September, more than four times the Mercedes-Benz E-Class at 2,733. The recently introduced six-seat Model Y L was particularly strong, recording 8,690 registrations on its own.
The September result continues what has already been a record year for Tesla in South Korea. Through the first nine months of 2026, the automaker has registered 89,148 vehicles, representing 31.9% of the country’s imported passenger car market. That is up from 76,776 registrations through August.
Tesla first took the quarterly import crown earlier this year, before setting a monthly record with 13,190 registrations in April. The Model Y has been the key driver throughout the run, repeatedly challenging — and in several months beating — Korea’s most popular domestically produced vehicles.
Tesla’s performance is also helping reshape Korea’s import market. Electric vehicles accounted for 18,181 registrations in September, or 52.1% of all imported passenger vehicles, compared with 39% for hybrids and just 8.2% for gasoline vehicles.
Related Articles:
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- Tesla becomes South Korea’s top-selling imported car brand for first time in Q1 2026
- Tesla Expands Model Y L Across Asia
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