Sales of imported vehicles in South Korea rose by 6% year-on-year to 17,423 units in October, much slower than the doubled-digit growth seen in previous months, according to data released by the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association.

In the first 10 months of the year, import sales were up by close to 20% at 196,543 units.

Compared with the previous month’s 20,381 units, however, import sales fell by 14.5%, reflecting a sharp decline in Volkswagen’s sales as news of the group’s emissions scandal continued to flow in. 

Volkswagen brand sales fell by 67% month-on-month to 947 units, from 2,901 units in September, while Audi sales were 27% lower at 2,482 units, compared with 3,402 units previously.