The Tesla Model Y topped Korea's auto market last month, outselling domestic models. It marks the first time an imported vehicle has outsold all domestic models on a monthly single-model basis.
According to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association on Wednesday, the Tesla Model Y recorded domestic sales of 8,762 units last month. That was the highest figure among all domestic and imported cars sold in the domestic market, pushing the popular Kia Sorento (7,836 units) and Hyundai Motor's Grandeur (5,183 units) into second and third place, respectively.
The Model Y's sales far exceeded those of Korea's three mid-tier automakers — GM Korea, Renault Korea and KG Mobility. Their combined domestic sales last month totaled just 7,019 units. The combined performance of the three mid-tier companies fell short of sales of a single Tesla model.
Tesla's total sales across all models, including the Model Y, reached 10,866 units last month. That marked a wide gap over second-place BMW (6,555 units) and third-place Mercedes-Benz (3,553 units). After becoming the first imported car brand to surpass 10,000 units in monthly sales in March, Tesla has continued its strong performance, selling more than 10,000 units for three consecutive months. It has held the top spot in imported car brand sales for four consecutive months.
On a cumulative basis through May this year, Tesla sold 45,020 units, more than double the 12,835 units sold during the same period a year earlier. That accounts for 30.8% of total imported car sales (145,973 units) during the same period. In other words, one in three imported cars sold in the domestic market was a Tesla.
In the industry, some say Tesla, having solidified its top position in the imported car market, is even shaking the foothold of domestic automakers. Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD is also expanding its share in the domestic market, posting sales of more than 1,000 units for three consecutive months through last month.
