BMW topped the imported vehicle sales chart in Korea last month, according to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association.

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May data showed that of a total of 227,935 imported vehicles, BMW topped the list with 20.1%, (45,864) followed by Mercedes-Benz on 15.6% or 35,634 cars.


Analysts told Asia News Network that the top performers benefited from both brand power and their early entry into the Korean auto market.


BMW started sales through the then Kolon Corp in March 1987 while Mercedes Benz arrived in January 1987 through local dealership Hansung Motor.


According to the May data, Toyota sold 32,621 cars for a 14.3% share, Daimler Chrysler 19,369 (6.9%); Ford 16,446 (7.2%) and Audi 14,153 or 6.2%.

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“Japanese cars’ performance and design meet Korean customers’ needs,” Koo Hee-cheol, KAMA’s public relations manager, told Asia News Network.