Industry data released on Wednesday showed that South Korea's imported car sales grew 22.6% year-over-year in August, driven by strong demand for new vehicle models.

The Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association (KAIDA) stated in a press release that newly registered imported vehicles reached 27,304 units last month, a significant increase from 22,263 units in the same period last year.

KAIDA noted that the monthly performance was boosted by strong sales of new models including Tesla Motors' Model Y and Model 3.

Data revealed that the three best-selling imported car models in August were Tesla Motors' Model Y, Model Y Long Range, and Model 3.

Tesla Motors' vehicle registrations in South Korea surged from 2,208 units in the same period last year to 7,974 units last month, representing more than a threefold increase.

An automotive industry insider commented: "After the implementation of electric vehicle subsidy policies, prices became more affordable, leading many consumers in their 20s and 30s to choose Tesla Motors."

Sales from Germany's three major automakers - Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz - totaled 13,228 units last month, down 7.9% from 14,368 units in the same period last year.

Last month, 6 out of every 10 imported cars sold in South Korea were German brands.

From January to August, imported vehicle registrations increased 13.3% to 192,514 units, up from 169,892 units in the same period last year.