SEOUL, KOREA - The number of import cars newly registered in Korea last year passed the 150,000 mark, first in history.According to the Korea Automobile Distributors and Importers Association, the number of import cars registered in 2013 totaled 156,497 units, up 19.6 percent from a year ago.
German brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi showed strength, playing a leading role in the growth of the import car market.
In particular, BMW sold 33,066 units during the January-December period of last year, ranking No. 1 among import car brands. Following BMW were Volkswagen with 25,649 units and Benz with 24,780 units.
By model, BMW 520d became the best-selling car, followed by Volkswagen’s Tiguan2.0TDI, Passat 2.0TDI, and Golf 2.0TDI.
By engine displacement, the less than 2.0-liter cars accounted for 53.5 percent or 83,667 units. Diesel cars took up 62.1 percent in total import car sales.