Tesla Model Y Tops New-Car Sales in South Korea
The Tesla Model Y topped new-car sales in South Korea in July 2026, outperforming models from local manufacturers including Hyundai and Kia in a notable result for one of Asias most important automotive markets.
The result comes as Korean brands continue to dominate the domestic market. However, Tesla has recorded strong growth in recent months, driven largely by rising demand for the Model Y and Model 3.
Tesla sold 10,237 vehicles in South Korea in July, compared with 11,119 units in June. Despite the monthly decline, Tesla accounted for around 33.1% of all imported vehicles registered in the country during the month.
BMW ranked second among imported brands with 6,533 vehicles, followed by Mercedes-Benz with 3,959 units. Teslas sales alone therefore came close to matching the combined total of the two German brands.
Model Y Drives Teslas Performance
The Model Y was the main driver of Teslas performance in the Korean market, with 8,705 units sold in July. The figure allowed the electric crossover to overtake the Hyundai Grandeur and become the best-selling vehicle in the country during the month.
The Model Y Premium accounted for 6,612 units, while the Model Y Premium Long Range recorded 2,092 sales.
The figures underline the central role of the Model Y in Teslas performance in South Korea, particularly as electric crossovers continue to gain popularity worldwide.
Major Increase in Tesla Sales
Tesla continued to post strong results in South Korea during the first seven months of 2026.
The company sold a total of 66,376 vehicles during the period, representing a 149.8% increase compared with the same period last year.
The Model Y accounted for the largest share of those sales, with 52,064 units, while the Model 3 recorded 10,392 sales.
Although Hyundai and Kia continue to dominate the domestic market, Tesla has managed to challenge the traditional preference for local brands through the Model Y and Model 3.
The BMW 5 Series ranked second behind the Model Y among the best-selling vehicles in the market so far this year, with 13,756 units sold.
Imported Vehicle Sales in South Korea in July 2026
Tesla: 10,237 vehicles.
BMW: 6,533 vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz: 3,959 vehicles.
BYD: 2,846 vehicles.
Lexus: 1,474 vehicles.
Toyota: 1,340 vehicles.
Volvo: 958 vehicles.
Audi: 935 vehicles.
Porsche: 635 vehicles.
MINI: 632 vehicles.
Volkswagen: 471 vehicles.
Land Rover: 308 vehicles.
Polestar: 248 vehicles.
Jeep: 73 vehicles.
Lamborghini: 61 vehicles.
Cadillac: 42 vehicles.
GMC: 41 vehicles.
Lincoln: 39 vehicles.
Bentley: 36 vehicles.
Peugeot: 35 vehicles.
Ford: 32 vehicles.
Ferrari: 18 vehicles.
Rolls-Royce: 12 vehicles.
The results point to a gradual shift in South Korean consumer preferences, with imported electric vehicles gaining a stronger presence in a market that has traditionally relied heavily on domestic brands.
Tesla stands out as one of the biggest beneficiaries of this shift, with the Model Y emerging as a strong competitor in South Korea, not only among imported vehicles but across the new-car market as a whole.
