Chinese carmakers lead Israel's imported vehicle market in Jan-May

JERUSALEM -- Chinese car manufacturers accounted for the largest share of Israel's imported passenger car sales in the first five months, selling 39,582 gasoline and electric vehicles, according to figures issued by the Israel Vehicle Importers Association on Tuesday.

BYD Auto led electric vehicle (EV) sales in Israel, selling 3,813 units between January and May, driven by its subcompact crossover Atto 3 and the mid-size Seal U SUV.

Chinese automaker Xpeng Motor secured the second place with 3,650 EVs sold across three models. MG Motor, a Chinese-owned British brand, ranked third with 1,694 EVs sold, followed by China's Chery, 1,675.

Chinese automakers also dominated Israel's EV market during the five months, accounting for 82.4 percent of total EV sales with 19,193 units delivered.

South Korea and Japan were positioned as Israel's second- and third-largest suppliers of imported cars in January-May, with 27,210 and 22,438 units sold, respectively, the data indicated.