"Semiconductor Supply Shortage Continues"... New Registrations of Imported Cars in February Down 12.7% Year-on-Year

12.1% Increase Compared to Previous Month
Mercedes-Benz Ranks First in Sales Volume

Provided by Korea Imported Automobile Association

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] The number of newly registered imported cars in South Korea last month decreased by 12.7% compared to the same period last year. Although it increased compared to January, the industry believes that supply disruptions were still caused by the shortage of automotive semiconductor parts.

The Korea Imported Automobile Association announced on the 4th that the number of newly registered imported passenger cars last month was 19,454 units. This is a 12.1% increase compared to January but a 12.7% decrease compared to the same period last year.

The top-selling brand was Mercedes-Benz with 5,970 units. BMW, which was first last month, ranked second with 5,656 units. This was followed by Audi (1,227 units), Volkswagen (1,108 units), and Volvo (1,047 units). Brands that sold more than 100 units include Porsche (777 units), Mini (732 units), Chevrolet (535 units), Lexus (474 units), Jeep (441 units), Toyota (279 units), Honda (256 units), Lincoln (220 units), Land Rover (190 units), Peugeot (183 units), and Ford (180 units).

By brand nationality, Europe accounted for 17,041 units, representing 87.6%. The United States and Japan followed with 1,404 units and 1,009 units, accounting for 7.2% and 5.2%, respectively.

By fuel type, gasoline was the most common with 9,377 units (48.2%). This was followed by hybrid with 5,184 units (26.6%), diesel with 3,135 units (16.1%), plug-in hybrid with 1,257 units (6.5%), and electric with 501 units (2.6%).

The best-selling models were the Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC and E250, recording 1,176 and 969 units respectively, taking first and second place. The BMW 520 ranked third with 851 units.

Im Hangyu, Vice Chairman of the Korea Imported Automobile Association, explained, “New registrations of imported passenger cars in February increased compared to the previous month due to securing inventory from some brands, but decreased compared to the same month last year due to shortages caused by semiconductor supply issues.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.