STOCKS | Tesla Sales Drive South Korea's Imported EV Market Boom

South Korea's imported electric vehicle market has surged this year, led by Tesla and followed closely by other brands. According to Sina Finance, sales in the first eight months totaled 114,401 units, up 114.0% year on year, with Tesla selling 76,776 units for a 67% share, up 122.3%. Industry observers said the market's strength is likely to continue into next year. A person at an imported car company said consumers have clearly shifted from gasoline cars to electric vehicles, and that high oil prices are creating additional demand. Tesla is widely expected to keep growing steadily next year. According to Sina Finance, Tesla's year-on-year monthly growth stayed in triple digits before April, when it reached 811.5%, and eased to 30.4% last month. The industry source said Tesla's market dominance comes from its price competitiveness and expectations for full self-driving (FSD), and that neither factor is likely to disappear in the short term.