Imported EV sales in Korea reach all-time high

A Mercedes-Benz dealership in Seoul [YONHAP]

Sales of imported electric vehicles (EVs) in Korea achieved a record high for the January to November period.

The number of imported EVs sold during the 11 months, excluding Tesla models, stood at 23,251, beating the previous annual record of 23,202 units sold last year, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association Friday. Tesla is not included in the tally as the company is not a registered member of the association.

Industry watchers project the annual tally for 2023 to exceed 25,000 units.

Company-wise, Mercedes-Benz sold 7,570 units, followed by BMW with 7,160 units and Chevrolet with 1,864. Mercedes-Benz and BMW EVs saw 76 percent and 71 percent on-year sales growths, respectively.

Industry experts cited an expansion in available EV models and increased brand loyalty toward foreign car companies for the growth of sales.

BY SEO JI-EUN, YONHAP [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]