![[Seoul=NEWSIS] Reporter Kim Geum-bo = On the 21st, multiple Tesla vehicles were seen charging at a Tesla Supercharger station in Seoul. In the first half of this year, a total of 184,032 imported cars were registered in Korea, with Tesla accounting for 56,139 units (30.5%), securing the top spot. This represents a 192.1% increase compared to the same period last year. 2026.07.21. kgb@newsis.com /Photo=Kim Geum-bo](https://thumb.mt.co.kr/cdn-cgi/image/f=avif/21/2026/08/2026080514050359927_1.jpg)
Tesla accounted for one-third of all newly registered imported cars in Korea last month, extending its streak as the sales leader for six consecutive months. The Model Y and Model 3 occupied the top positions among best-selling models.
According to the Korea Imported Automobile Dealers Association (KAIDA) on the 5th, new registrations of imported passenger cars last month totaled 30,976 units. This is an 18.6% decrease from the previous month (June), which saw 38,059 units, but a 14.3% increase compared to the same period last year, when 27,090 units were registered. Cumulative registrations from January to July this year reached 215,008 units, up 30.1% from 165,210 units in the same period last year.
By brand, Tesla led with 12,037 units last month, accounting for 33% of all imported car registrations for July. This was followed by BMW with 6,533 units, Mercedes-Benz with 3,959 units, and BYD with 2,846 units. BYD, which recorded 4,652 new registrations in June with a 12.2% market share, dropped to 2,846 units last month, falling below a 10% share but maintaining fourth place behind BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Lexus and Toyota recorded 1,474 and 1,340 units, respectively. Other brands included Volvo with 958 units, Audi with 935 units, Porsche with 635 units, MINI with 632 units, Volkswagen with 471 units, Land Rover with 308 units, Polestar with 248 units, and Jeep with 73 units.
Among the best-selling models, Tesla dominated the top ranks: Tesla Model Y Premium (6,612 units), Tesla Model Y Premium Long Range (2,092 units), and Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range (1,239 units).
By fuel type, electric vehicles accounted for 15,428 units (49.8%), followed by HYBE Rides with 12,840 units (41.5%), gasoline with 2,514 units (8.1%), and diesel with 194 units (0.6%).
Jung Yoon-young, Vice President of KAIDA, stated, "New registrations of imported passenger cars in July decreased compared to the previous month due to factors such as supply shortages for certain brands and the impact of the vacation season."
in INDUSTRY
