Mecapress.comAutomotive news in real time

Story no.159InternationalOngoingSales and market +4Notable Several countries (2)1 Nov → 3 Nov14 facts · 43 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 14 events involving BYD, Hyundai, Kia and 9 more, in 2 countries (Corée du Sud, Chine), followed from 1 November 2026 to 3 November 2026. 43 articles from 11 sources (sales and market, regulation and tariffs, launches and reviews and 2 more); last updated on 3 November 2026 at 16:00. Figures reported: 11 vehicles, 410 jobs.

National stories

·
01

What is established

Method

Confirmed(6)

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)

  1. 3 Nov, 13h24Xpeng confirms its project to enter the South Korean market.
  2. 3 Nov, 13h24New figure: up to 410,000 jobs threatened according to a South Korean media outlet.
  3. 3 Nov, 09h50Vice Prime Minister announces EV competitiveness plan for this month.
  4. 3 Nov, 09h50Domestic electric vehicle share specified at 48.7%.
  5. 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)

Automatic web search, official sources first · “contradicted” only when an official source is cited

02

Background

Method

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
03

Timeline

newest first

Dot = severity

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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 시대

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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+11 outlets

  9. 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

  10. 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.

    동아일보연합뉴스autoherald.co.kr+4 outlets

  11. 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

04

In figures

The activity

14 facts

Latest activity 2 hours ago

1211
1 Nov3 Nov

Countries concerned

Several countries (2)

Brands concerned

Official figures

  • BYD · 49,953 reg. (EU + EFTA + UK, Sept 26) · 2 recall(s) in 12 months
  • Hyundai · 39,821 reg. (EU + EFTA + UK, Sept 26) · 71 recall(s) in 12 months
  • Kia · 56,437 reg. (EU + EFTA + UK, Sept 26) · 44 recall(s) in 12 months
  • Xpeng · 1,250 reg. (Germany, Sept 26)

Key figures

11
véhicules
410
jobs

Highest number recorded in 2 article(s), automatically extracted: please check sources.

05

Sources by country and language

Press country

ArticlesOutlets
South Korea3023
United States76
China65

Languages

ArticlesOutlets
Korean2721
English1310
Chinese33

Country of the outlet (not of the topic), inferred from its address and language. Each outlet counts once per row.

06

Further reading

Events in the story