*This content was translated by AI.
According to data from the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), Tesla’s retail sales in China’s domestic market in August totaled 50,547 units, down 12.4% year-on-year. This marks a decline from 57,152 units in the same period last year, representing the weakest August performance since 2022. As a result, Tesla’s retail sales in China have declined for three consecutive months. In contrast, a completely different trend is unfolding in Korea.
Tesla’s Shanghai factory exported 36,119 units in August, a 38.7% increase year-on-year, extending growth momentum for eight consecutive months compared to the same period last year. While Tesla struggles to sell in China, its exports are performing well overseas. A significant portion of these August export volumes were imported into Korea. According to statistics from the Korea Association of Imported Automobile Dealers (KAIDA), total new registrations of Tesla vehicles in Korea reached 14,004 units in August 2026. Most Tesla models currently sold in Korea are imported from China—accounting for one out of every three units.
Looking at cumulative sales from January to August based on Chinese sales figures, Tesla’s total sales in China reached 316,251 units, a 12.4% decline year-on-year. In contrast, Tesla sales in Korea surged significantly during the same period. Cumulative new registrations in Korea from January to August 2026 totaled 76,776 units—a staggering 122.3% increase compared to the previous year. This stands in stark contrast to China’s situation.
The reasons for Tesla’s popularity in Korea are clear. Its proprietary charging network, "Supercharger," is robustly established nationwide, significantly reducing charging stress and anxiety during long-distance travel. Public trust in advanced driving safety technologies such as FSD is gradually increasing. Stable supply volumes and quick delivery times also contribute to this trend. Of course, alongside the sharp rise in sales, Tesla has faced controversies over large-scale subsidy outflows and inadequate after-sales service (AS).
The problem is that, unlike in China, there are virtually no alternative models capable of matching Tesla’s popularity in Korea. This explains why Tesla’s overwhelming appeal is expected to continue.
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*This content was translated by AI.
