According to data released by the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA) on Tuesday, in 2025, imported car sales in South Korea increased by nearly 17% year-on-year, with Bayerische Motoren Werke AG maintaining its market leadership in the country for the third consecutive year.

Statistics show that last year, registrations of new imported passenger vehicles in South Korea reached 307,377 units, a 16.7% increase from the 263,288 units recorded in 2024.

In December alone, newly registered imported cars totaled 28,608 units, representing a 21.6% growth compared to the same period last year.

KAIDA attributed the annual market growth to increased demand for foreign electric vehicles and an expansion of new product lineups.

By brand, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG led the market in 2025 with sales of 77,127 units, followed by Mercedes-Benz with 68,467 units, while Tesla Motors ranked third with 59,916 units. Volvo secured the fourth position with 14,903 units, and Lexus ranked fifth with 14,891 units.

Analyzed by fuel type, hybrid vehicles dominated with 174,218 units, accounting for 56.7% of the market, followed by electric vehicles at 29.7%, gasoline vehicles at 12.5%, and diesel vehicles at 1.1%.