The Tesla Model Y became the best-selling vehicle in South Korea in May, marking the first time an imported model has led the national market. The electric SUV outsold domestic rivals with 8,762 units sold during the month.
Sales data showed the Model Y beating the Kia Sorento, which recorded 7,836 units, and the Hyundai Grandeur at 5,183 units. This performance made it the top vehicle overall in a market long dominated by local brands Hyundai and Kia. Tesla delivered a total of 10,866 vehicles in the country that month. The company also surpassed the combined sales of BMW and Mercedes-Benz for the fourth month in a row. Tesla CEO Elon Musk highlighted the result on X with the comment “Korea is Awesome.” Observers attributed the surge to high fuel prices, electric vehicle incentives, and demand for the Model Y’s technology and interior space.
