VW Ban Cuts Import Sales 8% in S. Korea

Sales of new imported cars in South Korea dropped 8% to 22,100 units in March, the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Assn. reports. Imports account for about 15% of the country’s domestic market.

KAIDA says the decline is due almost entirely to a ban on the sale of 80 Volkswagen Group models in the country. The move followed an 18 billion-won ($1.5 million) fine against the company for manipulating engine noise and emission test results. The ban involves Audi, Bentley and VW brand vehicles.

Last year combined sales of imports fell 8% to 225,300 units in Korea. About 80% of the total are German marques, according to KAIDA.