Tesla and BYD, which account for 40% of the imported car market… Facing “repair hell” and “half-baked FSD,” they will take the stand at the National Assembly audit on the 8th

*This content was translated by AI.

Tesla and BYD, which have continued an unstoppable sales surge in the domestic electric vehicle and imported car markets, are set to be summoned as witnesses to the 2026 National Assembly audit amid criticism that they have abandoned “post-sale responsibility.” The substandard after-sales service (AS) hidden behind their impressive performance and deceptive sales practices are expected to face rigorous scrutiny from the National Assembly.

The National Assembly’s Committee on Land, Transport and Tourism has designated Seo Yeong-deuk (CEO) of Tesla Korea and Jo In-cheol and Ding Ha I-ma-o (CEO) of BYD Korea as witnesses for the National Assembly audit of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and related institutional investors, which will be held over two days on the 7th and 8th. The combined new registration market share of the two brands reached nearly 40% of the total imported passenger car market from January to September this year, recording explosive growth. However, it is pointed out that consumer protection and after-sales management systems commensurate with the surging sales volume are lacking.

First, BYD Korea’s insufficient maintenance infrastructure and the “repair hell” controversy will be the focus of intense questioning. According to data from the Insurance Development Institute, the average property damage loss ratio for four BYD passenger car models in the first half of this year was 168%, significantly exceeding the average for imported electric vehicles (103%). The average repair period also reached 9.8 days, which is much longer than that of domestic cars (5.3 days) or imported electric vehicles (8.2 days). Of the approximately 20 service hubs nationwide, only five are actually capable of accident repairs such as bodywork and painting, leading to criticism that consumer suffering has reached its peak due to parts supply delays and long waiting times. With a recent first recall incident compounding the issues, it appears difficult for BYD Korea to escape responsibility for management negligence.

Tesla Korea is also under scrutiny over suspicions of “half-baked operation” of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature, a core selling point, and incomplete disclosure. Among Tesla vehicles operating in the country, only 20.7% are capable of using FSD, and it was revealed that the Model Y, a key model in the domestic market, is less than 10%. Despite the fact that access to the feature varies dramatically depending on the country of production, specifications, and certification conditions, consumers were not clearly informed during the contract process, leading to intense dissatisfaction.

In addition, representatives of other imported car brands, such as MAN Truck & Bus Korea, have been added to the witness list amid controversies over unfair practices in the maintenance industry. This National Assembly audit is expected to become a turning point in correcting arrogant practices across the entire imported car industry. Attention is focused on what repercussions will arise from the National Assembly’s stern warning that post-sale responsibility is as important as selling cars.

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*This content was translated by AI.