Sales of imported light passenger vehicles in South Korea continued to surge in February 2026, rising by 35% to 27,190 units from 20,199 units in the same month last year, according to registration data released by the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA).
Imports continued to significantly outperform the domestic market last month, driven by strong sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). In the first two months of 2026, import sales rose by 36% to 48,150 units from 25,428 units a year earlier, while domestic sales by the country’s five main automakers fell by 3.5% to 195,798 units.
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BMW continued to lead the import market in the first two months of the year, albeit with sales rising by just 2.9% to 12,583 units, while sales by its Mini subsidiary rose by over 39% to 1,077 units. Together, the two brands accounted for over 28% of total import sales.
Mercedes-Benz sales rose by over 23% to 10,443 units year-to-date, as the German automaker steps up new model launches in the country. The company announced recently that it plans to launch ten new and facelifted passenger vehicle models in South Korea in 2026, as it looks to strengthen its line-up of electrified vehicles. Four new models will be based on new platforms, including the all-new battery-powered and hybrid CLA sedans, and the new battery-powered GLC and GLB SUVs.
Volkswagen Group reported a 32% sales rise to 3,944 units in the two-month period, while US BEV maker Tesla’s sales surged fourfold to 9,834 units and Volvo sold 2,123 units. Toyota’s sales rose by 34% to 1,415 units, while its Lexus division reported a 5% rise to 2,577 units.
BYD, which launched operations in South Korea a year ago, has sold 2,304 vehicles so far this year. The Chinese automaker has set itself a sales target of 10,000 units this year, helped by the launch of three additional models, including a rear-wheel-drive version of the Seal, the Dolphin hatchback and a Dual Mode intelligent (DM-i) plug-in hybrid model.
Stellantis also announced that it is stepping up its sales operations with the launch of the Peugeot 5008 hybrid SUV and the Jeep Grand Cherokee this year, while Polestar said it aims to sell 4,000 BEVs this year, helped by the introduction of the Polestar 3 and 5 models.
