Story no.159InternationalOngoingSales and market +4Notable Several countries (2)1 Nov → 3 Nov15 facts · 52 art.
South Korea: Chinese EVs capture 43.5% of the market, putting local manufacturers under pressure
In South Korea, the surge in Chinese electric vehicles has pushed the market share of domestic automakers below 50% for the first time, with Chinese EVs accounting for 43.5% of registrations from January to September. This offensive, driven notably by BYD, Zeekr and Xpeng, is expanding into imported vehicles and the SUV segment, accompanied by plans for local production and the recruitment of executives from European brands. The South Korean government is preparing a competitiveness plan for EVs, while lawmakers are calling for a tax credit for locally produced EVs, a measure presented as beneficial to national battery manufacturers. Sub-events focus on South Korea and Chinese competition; coverage extends to the United States and China, without specific national details in the provided elements.
In brief
Ongoing story bringing together 15 events involving BYD, Hyundai, Kia and 9 more, in 2 countries (Corée du Sud, Chine), followed from 1 November 2026 to 3 November 2026. 52 articles from 11 sources (sales and market, regulation and tariffs, launches and reviews and 2 more); last updated on 3 November 2026 at 16:01. Figures reported: 11 vehicles, 410 jobs.
National stories
Confirmed(6)
- 13
Xpeng appointed Lee Man-sik, formerly of Volvo Car Korea, as General Manager of XPENG Motors Korea effective December 1, 2026.
13 independent sources파이낸셜뉴스, cnevpost.com, 매일경제, Chosunbiz, The Manila Times +8
- 6
BYD, Zeekr and Xpeng are accelerating their entry into the South Korean market; Chery may also establish a local presence.
6 independent sourcesautodaily.co.kr, 파이낸셜뉴스, autoherald.co.kr, 매일신문, 팩트인뉴스 +1
- 5
Lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties have requested that electric vehicles be included in the national production tax credit.
5 independent sources동아일보, 연합뉴스, autoherald.co.kr, 다나와 자동차, 코리아이글뉴스
- 3
The share of domestically produced electric vehicles has fallen to 48.7%, dipping below majority status for the first time.
3 independent sources연합뉴스, 한국경제, autoherald.co.kr
- 2
Chinese electric vehicles accounted for 43.5% of registrations in South Korea from January to September.
2 independent sourcesautoherald.co.kr, 다나와 자동차
- 2
Vice Prime Minister Rhee Hyung-il stated that an EV competitiveness plan would be announced this month.
2 independent sources재경일보, asiae.co.kr
Single source so far(4)
- From January to September, 112,417 Chinese electric vehicles were registered, compared to 51,535 a year earlier. (according to autoherald.co.kr)
- Tesla and BYD accounted for 39.1% of imported vehicle sales in South Korea over nine months. (according to autodaily.co.kr)
- Four out of ten imported vehicles sold in South Korea are produced in China. (according to autodaily.co.kr)
- BYD's sales increased by 578% year-on-year in South Korea. (according to autodaily.co.kr)
Updates(5)
- 3 Nov, 13h24Xpeng confirms its project to enter the South Korean market.
- 3 Nov, 13h24New figure: up to 410,000 jobs threatened according to a South Korean media outlet.
- 3 Nov, 09h50Vice Prime Minister announces EV competitiveness plan for this month.
- 3 Nov, 09h50Domestic electric vehicle share specified at 48.7%.
- 3 Nov, 09h50Precise figure: 112,417 Chinese electric vehicles registered from January to September, compared to 51,535 a year earlier.
AI cross-check of the headlines and extracts of 43 articles (34 outlets) · “confirmed” = reported by at least two independent outlets, or by the manufacturer’s official press room · 3 Nov, 17h22
Checked on the web(3)
- Not confirmed at this stage
Xpeng appointed Lee Man-sik, formerly of Volvo Car Korea, as General Manager of XPENG Motors Korea effective December 1, 2026.
Sources: en.sedaily.com, en.sedaily.com, en.sedaily.com, koreatimes.co.kr, pulse.mk.co.kr
3 Nov, 17h23
- Confirmed
BYD, Zeekr and Xpeng are accelerating their entry into the South Korean market; Chery may also establish a local presence.
Sources: en.sedaily.com, en.sedaily.com, mobile.chinadaily.com.cn, koreatimes.co.kr, koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
3 Nov, 17h23
- Not confirmed at this stage
From January to September, 112,417 Chinese electric vehicles were registered, compared to 51,535 a year earlier.
Sources: en.sedaily.com, en.sedaily.com, koreatimes.co.kr, mobile.chinadaily.com.cn, chinadaily.com.cn
3 Nov, 17h23
Automatic web search, official sources first · “contradicted” only when an official source is cited
Context and reference points, separate from the story's news. Every item links to its source; updated on 3 Nov
Key terms
- Electric Vehicle
- A mode of transport whose propulsion is provided exclusively by one or more electric motors, drawing energy from onboard resources such as a battery or an external source. Wikipedia
- Tax Credit
- An amount subtracted from the tax payable by a company or individual; depending on the fiscal system, it may be refundable if it exceeds the tax amount and serve to encourage certain investments or behaviors. Wikipedia
- Customs Duties
- A tax levied on goods upon importation when they cross the border; by making foreign products more expensive, it aims to discourage consumption and favor local industries. Wikipedia
Timeline
newest firstDot = severity
- 16h00
LatestCorée du Sud : un éditorial s'inquiète de la montée des VE chinois
Un éditorial sud-coréen alerte sur la progression rapide de la part des véhicules électriques chinois, qui menace la base industrielle des constructeurs nationaux.
아시아투데이
- 09h42
Les VE chinois menacent 410 000 emplois en Corée du Sud
Selon un média sud-coréen, la pression des véhicules électriques chinois pourrait menacer jusqu'à 410 000 emplois dans l'industrie automobile coréenne.
매일경제
- 08h57
Corée du Sud : le gouvernement infléchit sa politique face aux VE chinois
Face à l'offensive des véhicules électriques chinois, Séoul revoit sa politique et le secteur réclame des mesures de soutien supplémentaires.
한겨레
- 07h56
South KoreaCorée du Sud : le crédit d'impôt à la production de VE attendu bénéfique aux batteries
Le crédit d'impôt sur la production de véhicules électriques en Corée du Sud est présenté comme un levier pour les fabricants nationaux de batteries.
동행미디어 시대직썰
- 07h25
En Corée du Sud, l'offensive des voitures chinoises devient une réalité pour les constructeurs locaux
Une chronique du Maeil Business analyse la progression des marques chinoises en Corée du Sud, où les acheteurs se détachent des préjugés, et s'interroge sur les moyens d'éviter une crise pour l'industrie nationale.
매일경제
- 06h37
Corée du Sud : les VE chinois représentent 43,5 % des immatriculations de janvier à septembre
Les immatriculations de voitures électriques chinoises en Corée du Sud ont plus que doublé sur un an, à 112 417 unités, portant leur part de marché à 43,5 % contre 48,7 % pour les modèles locaux. Une chronique critique l'absence de réponse industrielle du gouvernement.
autoherald.co.kr
- 03h34
BYD, Zeekr et Xpeng accélèrent leur implantation en Corée du Sud
Après BYD, Zeekr et Xpeng construisent progressivement leurs bases commerciales en Corée du Sud, accentuant la concurrence sur le marché local des véhicules électriques.
파이낸셜뉴스autoherald.co.kr매일신문+1 outlet
- 03h20
Xpeng prépare son entrée en Corée du Sud et nomme un ancien de Volvo à la tête de la filiale
Xpeng annonce son projet d'entrée sur le marché sud-coréen et la nomination d'un ancien dirigeant de Volvo pour piloter l'activité locale.
cnevpost.com매일경제Chosunbiz+14 outlets
- 03h14
Corée du Sud : la part des marques nationales passe pour la première fois sous les 50 %
La pression des véhicules électriques chinois fait chuter la part de marché des constructeurs nationaux sud-coréens sous la barre des 50 % pour la première fois.
한국경제
- 02h34
South Korea: parties call for a tax credit for locally produced EVs
As Chinese electric vehicles reach a 43.5% share of the South Korean market, lawmakers from both sides are asking to include EVs in the domestic production tax credit, which is being examined this month.
동아일보연합뉴스매일경제+6 outlets
- 02h18
South KoreaEssai du BYD Sealion 6 DM-i en Corée du Sud
La presse sud-coréenne salue le silence de fonctionnement et l'autonomie du SUV hybride rechargeable BYD Sealion 6 DM-i.
The Korea Times
- 16h02
Corée du Sud : un éditorial presse d'accélérer le crédit d'impôt à la production de VE
Un éditorial sud-coréen appelle à légiférer rapidement sur le crédit d'impôt à la production de véhicules électriques face à l'arrivée des VE chinois à bas prix.
서울경제
- 13h10
South KoreaSouth Korea to announce its electric vehicle competitiveness plan this month
Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hyeongil met with Euisun Chung, president of Hyundai Motor Group, and announced the presentation this month of a competitiveness plan for electric vehicles.
재경일보asiae.co.kr
- 04h21
Chinese brands gain ground in South Korea's imported car market
In South Korea, Tesla and BYD accounted for 39.1% of imported vehicle sales over nine months, while Chinese brands such as Zeekr, Xpeng, and Xiaomi are gaining strength, including through the recruitment of executives from European brands.
autodaily.co.kr
In figures
Countries concerned
Several countries (2)
Brands concerned
Key figures
- 11
- véhicules
- 410
- jobs
Highest number recorded in 2 article(s), automatically extracted: please check sources.
Sources by country and language
Press country
| Articles | Outlets | |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 36 | 25 |
| United States | 10 | 9 |
| China | 6 | 5 |
Languages
| Articles | Outlets | |
|---|---|---|
| Korean | 33 | 23 |
| English | 16 | 13 |
| Chinese | 3 | 3 |
Country of the outlet (not of the topic), inferred from its address and language. Each outlet counts once per row.
Further reading
People cited
Go up the thread
Events in the story
- Corée du Sud : le crédit d'impôt à la production de VE attendu bénéfique aux batteries3 Nov
- Corée du Sud : un éditorial s'inquiète de la montée des VE chinois3 Nov
- Xpeng prépare son entrée en Corée du Sud et nomme un ancien de Volvo à la tête de la filiale3 Nov
- Les VE chinois menacent 410 000 emplois en Corée du Sud3 Nov
- South Korea: parties call for a tax credit for locally produced EVs3 Nov
- Corée du Sud : le gouvernement infléchit sa politique face aux VE chinois3 Nov
- BYD, Zeekr et Xpeng accélèrent leur implantation en Corée du Sud3 Nov
- En Corée du Sud, l'offensive des voitures chinoises devient une réalité pour les constructeurs locaux3 Nov
- Corée du Sud : les VE chinois représentent 43,5 % des immatriculations de janvier à septembre3 Nov
- Corée du Sud : la part des marques nationales passe pour la première fois sous les 50 %3 Nov
Related stories
Marques et groupes concernés
Countries concerned