Well, Cadillac has good news for those of us with a keen eye for liveries, because the company has announced (via a post on X)Β that it's debuting the official Cadillac F1 racing livery at the 2026 Super Bowl on February 8.Β The announcement came on December 3, 2025, a few days before the final race of the 2025 F1 season at Abu Dhabi, which saw Lando Norris take home his first Drivers' Championship and McLaren-Mercedes' second consecutive Constructors' Championship titles.
The fledgling team will undoubtedly be fighting an uphill battle against the likes of McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes, but Cadillac remains hopeful for respectable finishing positions. As for the livery itself, we'll be over here impatiently biding our time as we wait for the grand reveal of what's hopefully a pretty car, indeed. And if this news has got you excited,Β here's a helpful introduction to the world of Formula 1.
As for the car itself, Cadillac is initially entering using Ferrari powertrains, though the company has stated that it will switch over to American-made power before the end of the decade. Our first chance to see whether the Cadillac F1 car has pace will be at Bahrain between February 11 and 13, 2026, when official testing begins. However, preliminary testing behind closed doors will occur at Catalunya from January 26 to 30.Β The team's actual racing debut will be the season-opener in Melbourne.
New sports teams of any discipline will typically face teething issues, and we don't Cadillac Racing to be an exception. This will be the company's first foray into Formula 1, after all. However, its experience in other circuit racing disciplines will likely aid the development of its open-wheel racer. At any rate, if you want to watch Cadillac's debut live, here are your streaming options for the 2026 F1 season in the U.S.
What else is new in Formula 1 for 2026?
Lando Norris ahead of a Ferrari car at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix - Jay Hirano/Shutterstock
The main change for the upcoming season will be the powertrains. 2026 will bring brand-new engines that will look way different from their 2025 counterparts, relying more on electric propulsion than ever before for motive power. This has upsides and downsides, namely the emphasis it'll place upon energy recovery systems and strategic overtaking. Moreover, teams will use 100% renewable fuels, aiming to raise awareness amidst growing environmental concerns.
What this means for Cadillac is that the rookie team is actually on a fairly even playing field. If everyone has to reinvent the wheel, then a new team coming in and upsetting the usual top runners is theoretically possible. More good news for Cadillac is that GM Performance Power Units were approved for racing use by the FIA in April 2025, with Cadillac aiming to deploy American power units by 2029.Β Whether Cadillac will surprise us or not is a matter of pure speculation at this point. But with all the shake-ups happening in Formula 1 for 2026, includingΒ Audi's entry to the competition, there's every chance that the American team may well shake things up. We'll certainly have our fingers crossed.
New light vehicle sales in Panama are up 10.8% year-on-year in November in what is traditionally the slowest month of the year at 4,255 units. The year-to-date tally is up 9.7% to 54,257 units. Toyota (+10.9%) matches the market but has to contend with 17.2% share vs. 19.3% so far this year. Kia (-3.6%) goes against the positive market but climbs back to the 2nd spot it holds year-to-date, passing Hyundai (-35.8%) in a rut. The next seven carmakers are all in positive, 6 of them with double-digit gains. GAC Motors (+104.8%) fares the best at #10, followed by Geely (+62.4%) up to #4, Jetour (+57.6%), Nissan (+47.7%), Changan (+43.1%) now #9 YTD, and Mitsubishi (+19%). Only Suzuki (+1.6%) disappoints. Below, notice Dongfeng (+165.8%), Kaiyi (+93.9%) and BYD (+79.3%) in the remainder of the Top 20. Newcomer Soueast advances to #25.
Over in the models ranking, the Kia Soluto (+33.8%) is crowned the best-seller this month, followed by the Toyota Hilux (+17.3%) up two spots on October to #2 and last monthβs leader the Hyundai Grand i10 (-24.7%). The Toyota Yaris Cross (+24.8%) is down one rank to #4 while the Kia Picanto (-24.5%) rounds out the Top 5. Strong performance by the Mitsubishi L200 (+32.1%) at #6 vs. #13 over the Full Year 2024. The Geely GX3 Pro scores its first Top 10 finish since we started following Panama a few months back and is joined by the Geely Coolray. The Changan CS35 Plus points its bonnet at #10.
A long awaited facelifted Proton Saga is about to hit the Malaysian market.
80,490 new light vehicles found a buyer in Malaysia in November, a solid 7.3% year-on-year increase. The year-to-date tally stands at 689,766. Homegrown behemoth Perodua (+1.1%) only edges up but manages a share superior to its YTD level at 42.4% vs. 41.9%. Proton (+22.2%) impresses at #2 with 18.6% of its home market, distancing Toyota (+2.1%) and Honda (+6.1%) both trailing the market. BYD (+229.2%) surges ahead to break into the Malaysian Top 5 for the first time at #5. Chery (+137.3%) is also in outstanding shape whereas the entire remainder of the Top 10 drops by double-digits, with Jaecoo (-41.4%) and Mercedes (-27.4%) the hardest hit. Below, Haval (+322.9%) and Tesla (+20.8%) stand out just as iCar cracks the Top 20 for the first time at #19.
Over in the models charts, the Perodua Bezza (+2.2%) remains in its traditional first place with a dominant 12.4% share vs. 11.9% YTD. Just below, the Proton Saga (+37.5%) surges again to repeat at an excellent 2nd position with 9.7% share, thanks to promotions on the outgoing generation. The Perodua Axia (-7.8%), Myvi (+0.2%) and Alza (+17.3%) camp on their September rankings from #3 to #5. Excellent showings also by the Proton X50 (+32.3%) and Toyota Hilux (+21.3%).
4,395 new light vehicles hit Singaporean roads in November, a strong 21.9% year-on-year uptick leading to a year-to-date volume up 23.2% to 46,288. BYD (+116.5%) signs a 10th straight month in pole position, now outselling #2 Toyota (-25.2%), in great difficulty, 2.3 to 1. Mercedes (-0.2%) is stable year-on-year but up two spots on October to #3, distancing Tesla (+81.7%), also up two to #4 and Honda (+14.9%) down two to #5. Zeekr (+423.5%) remains inside the Top 10 vs. #19 year-to-date, with Suzuki (+352.9%), MG (+347.1%), Chery (+247.8%) and Subaru (+156.7%) all lodging surreal gains.
The first generation Honda BR-V is still on sale in Pakistan.
According to local association PAMA, sales of new locally-made light vehicles in Pakistan surge another 51.9% year-on-year to 15,442 units. The year-to-date tally is now up 40.9% to 162,389. Suzuki (+23.1%) trails the market but still manages a strong 42.8% share vs. 46% so far this year. Toyota (+74.7%) does better in 2nd place but the winner of the month is Honda up a fantastic 134.6% to 16.9% share vs. 13.1% year-to-date. JAC (+127.6%) and Sazgar Haval (+89.6%) also shine.
Model-wise, the Suzuki Alto (+47.6%) is a distant leader again above the Toyota Corolla (estimated at +77.7%) and Suzuki Swift (+49.1%). The Honda Civic (+133.5%) is estimated to climb to #4, distancing the Toyota Yaris (+77.6%) and Sazgar Haval H6 (+89.6%). The Honda City (+133.6%) is estimated to be the 7th model delivering a four-figure result for the month.
Fang Cheng Bao delivers over 35,000 units for the first time.Β
According to data by the CAAM, Chinese wholesales in November edge up 3.4% year-on-year to 3,429,000 units. This means year-to-date volumes are up 11.4% to 31,127,000. Passenger Cars are up 1.2% to 3,037,000 for the month and up 11.5% to 27,256,000 year-to-date. For their part Commercial Vehicles surge 24.4% to 392,000 in November and are up 10.4% to 3,870,000 year-to-date. New Energy vehicle sales are up 20.6% to 1,823,000. BEVs soar 28.9% to 1,170,000 while PHEVs are up 7.9% to 652,000. Year-to-date, NEV sales are up 31.2% to 14,780,000 with BEVs up 41.2% to 9,515,000 and PHEVs up 16.4% to 5,261,000. Exports are up 48.5% to 728,000 units in November including 624,000 PC (+48.7%) and 104,000 CV (+47.2%). Year-to-date exports are up 18.7% to 6,343,000 including 5,397,000 PV (+19.4%) and 947,000 CV (+14.6%). NEV exports are up 100% to 2,315,000.
In the brands charts, the medium-term trend we have observed continues: BYD (-35%) is in deep trouble whereas #2 Geely (+33.5%) powers ahead to a new all-time record monthly volume above 210,000 units. βSurvivingβ BYD models include the Sealion 05 (+56.1%) and Dolphin (+3.8%) with the new Sealion 06 above the 25,000 monthly sales mark for the 4th straight month in 5 months of activity and the new Seal 05 cracking the 20,000 sales milestone for the first time. The Song Plus (-80.5%), Han (-72.4%), Tang (-69.7%), Seagull (-61.2%), Song L (-59.1%), Qin L (-47.4%), Song Pro (-37.1%) and Seal 06 (-32.5%) are all hit hard. In contrast, in the Geely corner the Xingyuan is up 109.8% to over 42,000 sales while the Galaxy New Energy range is up 82.8% to 63,688. The Boyue SUV is also very impressive at +138.4%.
Voyah cracks the 20,000 monthly sales milestone.
Illustrating the current heavy difficulties on foreign manufacturers in China, Volkswagen plunges -22.4% and Toyota drops -13.6%. Wuling edges up 4.6% to remain in 5th place while Tesla (-0.5%) is stable year-on-year and up 19 spots on October to #6 vs. #9 so far this year. Chery (-21.3%) struggles at #7 ahead of a solid Nissan (+13.2%). Encouragingly, this is Nissanβs 6th straight month of year-on-year upticks. After breaking its all time monthly volume record for the past 6 consecutive month, Leapmotor (+56.9%) takes a breather but still manages its 2nd best ever volume, above 60,000 units. Audi (+4.7%) closes the Top 10 out with a small gain. Xiaomi (+99.7%) continues to stun, albeit down two spots on last month to #14. Fang Cheng Bao (+314.1%) is the winner of the month, breaking into the Top 20 for the first time at #18 and delivering a third consecutive record month, above 35,000 sales. Voyah (+84.3%) also passes an important milestone at over 20,000 units for the first time (#29).
Looking at the models ranking in isolation, the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (+63.2%) manages a third win in a row but remains in 2nd place year-to-date below the Geely Xingyuan (+109.8%) itself down one rank on last month to #3. Following a particularly poor score in October, the Tesla Model Y (+5.7%) rallies back up 15 spots to land in 2nd place, most importantly reclaiming the SUV crown off the new Xiaomi YU7 down from #5 last month to #6 in November. The Nissan Sylphy (+16.5%) and BYD Qin Plus (-3.9%) round out the Top 5, with the latter being the only BYD model in the Top 10 (there are 6 in the Top 17). The Tesla Model 3 (-10%) also returns inside the Top 10 at #9 vs. #113 in October. The new BYD Sealion 06 ranks #11, the Fang Cheng Bao Tai 7 is at a record 12th place, the BYD Seal 05 cracks the Top 30 for the first time, landing at #14.
Dubai has just taken a bold step into the future of urban mobility by launching autonomous robotaxi rides available on the Uber app. This game-changing initiative allows both residents and tourists to book self-driving rides in two of Dubaiβs most iconic areas: Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. This milestone in the cityβs Self-Driving Transport Strategy positions Dubai as a leading global hub for innovation and smart mobility, and itβs set to revolutionize how tourists explore the city.
A Glimpse into the Future: How Uberβs Robotaxi Service Works
Imagine hailing a ride through your Uber app, but this time, the vehicle arrives without a driver. Thatβs exactly what Dubaiβs new autonomous robotaxi service offers. Powered by cutting-edge technology and a collaboration between WeRide and Uber, this service allows passengers to enjoy seamless, driverless travel. Whether youβre headed to Dubaiβs world-famous beaches, cultural sites, or bustling shopping districts, youβll be able to hop into an autonomous vehicle, guided entirely by AI. Itβs the perfect blend of comfort and innovation for anyone visiting Dubai.
Dubaiβs Self-Driving Transport Strategy: Aiming for 25% Autonomous Journeys by 2030
Dubaiβs ambition to become a global leader in autonomous transport doesnβt stop at robotaxis. The city has already set its sights on making 25% of all journeys autonomous by 2030, a goal embedded in its Self-Driving Transport Strategy. This strategy includes various cutting-edge projects, with autonomous robotaxis at the forefront. As part of this long-term vision, Dubai plans to integrate a variety of autonomous vehicles across the transport ecosystem, from taxis to buses, making it easier for residents and tourists to move around the city with minimal environmental impact.
Tourism Meets Innovation: Robotaxi Rides for Dubai Visitors
Dubai is not just a futuristic city in terms of architecture and tourismβitβs now leading the way in autonomous mobility. The introduction of self-driving robotaxis caters directly to the cityβs millions of annual visitors who are increasingly looking for efficient, innovative travel experiences. The pilot service, which runs between Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, covers some of Dubaiβs most popular attractions, including Jumeirah Beach, the Burj Al Arab, and Wild Wadi Waterpark. The robotaxi service offers a new dimension to tourism mobility, providing an exciting, hands-off way for tourists to explore the city.
Smooth Ride, Seamless Experience: What You Can Expect from the Pilot
So how does it work? For now, the autonomous robotaxis will feature a vehicle specialist on board who ensures the ride is safe and smooth. Passengers will still enjoy the Uber appβs familiar interface, with the only difference being that a human driver is not behind the wheel. As part of the pilot phase, the service is already operational and available for use by anyone in the selected areas of Dubai. This approach ensures that the technology can be refined and optimized before the full transition to driverless operations, which is expected by early 2026.
Dubaiβs Bold Vision: Expanding Autonomous Mobility for a Greener Future
Dubaiβs investment in autonomous mobility is not just about convenience; itβs about shaping the future of transport with sustainability in mind. With the launch of the autonomous robotaxi service, the city is taking a giant leap towards reducing carbon emissions and minimizing traffic congestion. Autonomous vehicles are more energy-efficient than traditional cars, making them a perfect fit for Dubaiβs eco-conscious goals. As part of Dubaiβs broader sustainability agenda, the robotaxi service will play a crucial role in supporting a greener, more sustainable future for the city and its residents.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Autonomous Travel in Dubai
The autonomous robotaxi service is just the beginning. With advanced AI and autonomous technologies continuing to improve, Dubai plans to expand its fleet of driverless vehicles, eventually offering fully autonomous rides throughout the city. Over the next few years, tourists and locals alike will benefit from even more efficient, environmentally friendly transport options that make it easier to navigate Dubaiβs attractions. As Dubai gears up to achieve its goal of 25% autonomous journeys by 2030, this innovative project will undoubtedly shape the future of urban travel on a global scale.
A Smarter Way to Explore Dubai
For tourists seeking a unique, futuristic travel experience in one of the worldβs most dynamic cities, Dubaiβs autonomous robotaxi service provides a glimpse into what the future of urban travel looks like. Whether youβre heading to a glamorous hotel, a cultural landmark, or just exploring the cityβs stunning landscapes, the robotaxi offers a comfortable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional transport. Dubaiβs move to incorporate autonomous vehicles into the tourism sector will not only enhance the visitor experience but also play a key role in shaping the cityβs smart city initiatives for years to come.
Conclusion: Dubai Leads the Way in Autonomous Travel Innovation
Dubaiβs launch of the autonomous robotaxi service on the Uber app is a landmark event in the world of urban mobility. As the city continues to embrace cutting-edge technologies, this move signals Dubaiβs commitment to becoming a global leader in autonomous transport, providing residents and tourists with a seamless, futuristic way to navigate the city. With the roadmap set for a fully autonomous fleet by 2026, Dubaiβs Self-Driving Transport Strategy is on track to deliver an eco-friendly, efficient, and innovative transportation system for all.
2024 and 2025 Mexican data is now available for Geely.
The Mexican new light vehicle market edges down -0.4% year-on-year in November to 148,361 units, but the year-to-date tally is up 1% to 1,370,056. Nissan (+0.6%) stays on top of the brands charts with 17.6% share, distancing Chevrolet (-4.6%). November is decidedly a great month for Mazda: after breaking all its records a year ago, the Japanese brand does it again this month, climbing to a record third place with an all-time high 13,810 sales and 9.3% share. Volkswagen (-3.6%), Toyota (-4.3%) and Kia (+2%) all drop one spot on October to #4, #5 and #6 respectively. Great performers in the remainder of the Top 10 include Hyundai (+12.5%) and Ford (+8.3%) but MG (-45%) is hit full frontal. This month Geely sales data becomes available (also retroactively for 2024): the Chinese carmaker ranks #14 with 2.3% share (+245.4%). We also welcome Soueast and the retour of Jetour in the charts.
Model-wise, Nissan places the Versa (-9.3%) at #1 and the NP300 (+3.8%) at #2, the latter advancing to third place year-to-date as it passes the Kia K3 (-1.4%). The Chevrolet Aveo (-19.2%) is in a rut but stays at #3. Excellent showings for the Mazda CX-30 (+56.1%), Hyundai Creta (+50.8%), Renault Kwid (+48.8%) and Chevrolet S10 (+35.4%). The Nissan Magnite remains the most popular recent launch at #14 above the Geely EX5 at #40 and the VW Tera at #52.
The Tata Nexon is the best-selling vehicle in India for the 3rd straight month.
After smashing its monthly volume record in October, the Indian new wholesales market continues on its exceptional momentum in November with deliveries up another 18.7% year-on-year to 417,495. This the 2nd highest monthly volume in Indian history below last month. Once again, responsible for this great result isΒ the introduction of a new GST structure (GST-2.0), which cut tax on entry-level cars from around 28% to 18%. Year-to-date volumes are up 4% to a record 4,126,144.
The Top 3 carmakers all beat the market with Maruti Suzuki up 21% to 41% share vs. 39.5% so far this year, Tata up 22% to reclaim the #2 spot for the second time in the past three months, and Mahindra up 21.9% to #3. Hyundai (+4.3%) is a lot more shy and is now in danger of losing the #3 year-to-date position to Tata, whereas it ranked #2 over the Full Year 2024. Other great performers include Citroen (+140.5%), Skoda (+90.3%) and Renault (+30.3%).
Over in the models charts, the Tata Nexon (+46.4%) scores a third consecutive win, distancing the YTD leader the Maruti Suzuki DZire (+79%). The Maruti Suzuki Swift (+33.9%) is also in great shape, up seven spots on October to #3. The Mahindra Scorpio (+22.9%) and Tata Punch (+21.5%) also outpace the market in the remainder of the Top 10. The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is the best-selling recent launch at #13, well above the Skoda Kylaq at #34.
The VinFast Limo Green is by far the best-selling vehicle in Vietnam in November.
Based on data by local association VAMA and Hyundai, new vehicle sales in Vietnam sink -17.8% year-on-year in 44,801 units. The year-to-date tally is now up just 2.1% to 375,184.Β This month once again we have access to exclusive figures by local manufacturer VinFast, which sends the overall market to 67,987 for the month and 522,634 year-to-date.Β
After passing the 20,000 monthly unit-mark for the first time in October, VinFast breaks its monthly record again in November to a fantastic 23,186 sales. Toyota (-11.1%) limits its fall to stay at #2 ahead of Hyundai (-47%) completely imploding, Ford (-2.6%) and Thaco-Kia (-29.6%). Mitsubishi is stable.
The VinFast Limo Green brilliantly takes the lead of the models charts with a stunning 14.2% share and for its 4th month in market. It distances the YTD leader the VinFast VF 3 ahead of the VF 5 and VF 6. As a result, the Limo Green climbs from #18 to #6 year-to-date. The Mitsubishi Xpander (-7.8%) is the best of the rest above the Mitsubishi Xforce (+20.8%) and Ford Ranger (-9.6%).
The Moroccan new light vehicle market delivers an 11th consecutive month of 20%+ year-on-year growth in November at +36.5% to 21,603 units. In the detail, Passenger Cars are up 37.9% to 19,193 units while Light Commercials gain 26.5% to 2,410. This monthβs growth has a lot to do with the Top 2 brandβs performance: indeed Dacia is up 56.9% to 25.5% share while sister brand Renault (+100.5%) simply doubles its sales to reach 22.5% share, simply its highest since we started following Morocco monthly back in January 2022. The rest of the Top 10 trails the market, with Audi (+21.8%) and Skoda (+17.9%) the best performers and Opel (-36.9%) and Hyundai (-16.8%) faring the worst. New for the month, Deepal lands directly at #17 with 1% share, with the next best-selling recent launches being Chery (#19) and Soueast (#20). We also welcome Leapmotor (#31) and Lynk & Co (#42).
The GWM Poer is the 2nd best-selling vehicle in Ecuador in November.
New vehicle sales in Ecuador continue to surge in November at +46.3% year-on-year to 11,810 units, leading to a year-to-date tally up 13% to 112,550. Kia (+36%) significantly widens the gap with Chevrolet (-6.1%), once again in deep trouble, to 15.6% share vs. 11.2%. Hyundai (+104.3%) and GWM (+140.4%) both shoot up, up one and two spots on October respectively. JAC (+83.3%), Chery (+69.5%) and Renault (+61.9%) also beat the market below but itβs BYD (+215.9%) that delivers the biggest year-on-year gain in the Top 10. Notice also Jetour up 161.2% to #15.
Model-wise, the Kia Soluto remains in first place while the GWM Poer climbs to #2, becoming the countryβs best-selling pickup above the Chevrolet D-Max which used to be the uncontested leader here. The Chevrolet Groove follows, ahead of three Kias: the Sonet, Seltos and Sportage.
23,008 new cars hit Austrian roads in November, a fantastic 20.5% year-on-year improvement. The year-to-date volume is now up 13.1% to 262,602. Volkswagen (+46.8%) plays a big role in the marketβs overall rise, climbing to 16.8% share vs. 14.4% so far this year. This is the carmakerβs highest share since May 2024. Skoda (+3.9%) is more modest in 2nd place while BMW (-3.6%) actually falls. Hyundai (+119.6%) shoots up 10 spots on last month to #4. Seat (+63.4%) and Dacia (+21.8%) also shine in the remainder of the Top 10. In contrast Cupra (-23.7%) and Tesla (-7.7%) disappoint. BYD is up 64.3% to #14.
Model-wise, the Skoda Octavia (-7.2%) stays on top despite going against the positive market. It is followed by three Volkswagens: the Golf (+20.4%), Polo (+145.9%) and Tiguan (+29.5%). The new Dacia Bigster is back inside the Austrian Top 5 for the third time and breaks into the YTD Top 20 at #18. Below the BMW X1 (+4.8%), the Mitsubishi Colt (+542.6%) β a rebadged Renault Clio β scores its first Top 20 finish, landing directly at #7. The Hyundai i10 (#11) and MG ZS (#12) also impress.
The Jeep Avenger ends the month just 3 sales off a maiden Top 10 finish.
New car sales in Slovenia advance a solid 13.5% year-on-year in November toΒ 4,861 units, leading to a year-to-date volume up 8.8% to 54,164. Volkswagen (+10%) retains the brands top spot with 14.9% share, well ahead of Skoda (+12.1%) at 10.6% and despite the latter advancing faster year-on-year. Toyota (+9.5%), Renault (+5.8%) and Dacia (+5.4%) are more discreet while Hyundai (-12.9%) disappoints with a negative score. MG (+430.8%) soars to a record 7th place with 4.3% share vs. 1.6% year-to-date, the carmakerβs second incursion inside the Slovenian Top 10 after December 2023 (#10). Jeep (+155%), Opel (+88.3%) and Citroen (+75.5%) also stun below.
Over in the models charts, the Renault Clio (+26.8%) surges ahead to reclaim the top spot it holds year-to-date with 4.1% share. The Skoda Octavia (+13.6%) is also sturdy and is up one rank on last month to #2. Up to a record #2 a year ago, the Hyundai Tucson (-20.4%) skids year-on-year but is up to #3 vs. #10 in October. Excellent scores for the Dacia Sandero (+147.7%) at #4 vs. #24 YTD and the VW Tiguan (+113.7%) now up to #6 so far this year. The Jeep Avenger (+150%) ends the month just 3 sales off a maiden Top 10 finish.
The Tesla Model Y holds 18.3% of the Norwegian market in November.
The Norwegian new car market in November is boosted by fears of lowered VAT floor to NOK 300,000 (US$29,700) on new electric cars by January 1st. Overall sales are up a whopping 70.2% year-on-year to 19,899 units, the largest November volume in Norwayβs history. Year-to-date volumes are up 25.5% to 144,362. BEV sales are up 77.6% to 19,427 and 97.6% share vs. 93.6% a year ago and up 34.2% year-to-date to 137,887 and 95.5% share vs. 89.3% over the same period in 2024. Meanwhile HEVs are off -42.5% to 161 and 0.8% share, PHEVs edge down -1.3% to 152 and 0.8% also, diesel is at 0.7% share and petrol at 0.1%. For the first time, 4Γ4 share surpasses 80% and 80.6% vs. 76.8% a year ago.
Tesla shoots up 175.2% to 6,215 sales and 31.2% share, its best result since March 2023 (7,899 and 40.8% share). Thanks to year-to-date sales up 34.6% to 28,606, Tesla has already beaten the annual brand sales record previously detained by Volkswagen in 2016 (26,572). Volkswagen (+35.7%) trails the market to 11% share vs. 12.9% so far this year but Volvo (+178.2%) also stuns to 9.4% share vs. 7.9%. This means the Top 3 carmakers hold over 50% of the market (51.6%). Kia (+149.3%), Hyundai (+82.4%) and Ford (+75.9%) also impress in the remainder of the Top 10. Of note, there are no Chinese brands among the 10 best-sellers, with Xpeng (+113.3%) at #11 and MG (+698.4%) at #12. Polestar is up 138.8%, Mazda up 893.8%, Renault up 191.4% and Zeekr up 1950%.
Model-wise, the Tesla Model Y is up 144.7% to 18.3% share and is now just 540 sales away from breaking the annual model sales record it currently holds (23,088 in 2023). The Tesla Model 3 (+235.3%) holds the 2nd spot and reaches 12.9% share, its highest since September 2024. The Volvo EX40 (+462%) stays on the podium, distancing the VW ID.4 (+18.1%) and ID.7 (+59.5%), both disappointing in context.
The South Korean new car market edges down -1.1% year-on-year in November to 145,936 units. Local carmakers pull the market down at -5.8% to 116,588 whereas foreigners jump +23.4% to 29,348. Year-to-date figures are up 2.8% to 1,531,044 including 1,252,508 locals (+0.2%) and 278,536 foreigners (+16.2%). Hyundai (-5.1%) retains the brands pole position with 33.9% share above sister brand Kia (-0.6%) at 32.8%. Genesis (+4.7%) is back above 10,000 monthly sales for the first time since last June, distancing Tesla (+110.9%), BMW (-2.1%) and Mercedes (+20.7%). Renault Korea (-51%) collapses year-on-year while Volvo (+10.6%) is solid at #9. Newcomer BYD breaks into the Top 10 for the first time at #10 with 0.8% share.
Looking at domestic models, the Kia Sorento (-3.7%) manages a 13th win in the past 15 months and is way above the competition this month. The Kia Sportage (+62.2%) takes the second spot ahead of the Hyundai Grandeur (+28.8%). The Hyundai Sonata (-11.4%) follows, distancing the Hyundai Avante (+0.1%) and Tucson (-3.6%). The Hyundai Palisade (+124.5%) continues to benefit from its new generation at #8 overall.
Over in the foreign models ranking, the Tesla Model Y (+102.8%) surges ahead year-on-year to dominate the charts head and shoulders with over 6,000 sales. The Mercedes E Class (+50.3%) is also in fantastic shape at #2 ahead of the BMW 5 Series (-5.3%), in difficulty. The Tesla Model 3 (+193.6%) is back up three spots on October to #4, a ranking it also holds year-to-date. Notice also the Mercedes GLE up 256.7% and the BYD Sealion 7 up to a record 7th place.