Half of the import car sales in February were hybrids, signaling the gradual disappearance of diesel vehicles, which accounted for only 2.8% of sales.
According to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association, the number of new import vehicle registrations in February reached 16,237, marking a 24.1% increase from January’s 13,083, but a 24.9% decrease compared to the 21,622 units registered in the same month last year.
In terms of powertrain sales, hybrids dominated the market with 8,876 units sold, representing 54.7% of total sales. Diesel vehicles were limited to just 459 units (2.8%). By engine displacement, vehicles under 2,000cc made up 8,950 units (55.1%), indicating that new import customers opted for compact models with lower maintenance costs.
When it comes to brand performance, BMW led the market with 6,089 units sold, a more than 40% increase from 4,330 units the previous month, maintaining its position at the top for two consecutive months. Mercedes-Benz recorded 3,592 units, which was a 22.6% increase from the prior month’s 2,931 units, yet it was not enough to reclaim the lead.
The best-selling model of February was the BMW 5 Series, with 2,160 units sold, securing its position as the top-selling model for two months in a row, followed by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (958 units) and BMW X5 (599 units).
Inquiries: daedusj@autodiary.kr