A Japanese source familiar with North Korea said leader Kim Jong-il's penchant for luxury cars continues despite United Nations sanctions and that he is planning to acquire new models this year.

According to Yonhap News, the unnamed source said the North Korean leader has about 500 vehicles and that he bought at least 10 Range Rovers and 20 Mercedes 600s since the adoption of a UN resolution in 2006 banning the shipment of luxury goods to the communist country.

The ban is part of sanctions against the regime for conducting its first nuclear test that year.