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Hyundai, Kia Set US Sales Record on SUV & Hybrid Demand Surge

Hyundai Motor and Kia achieved record combined vehicle sales in the United States for February, with a 5% year-over-year increase to over 137,000 units. The surge was fueled by robust demand for midsize and large SUVs like the Palisade, Santa Fe, and Telluride. In contrast, combined electric vehicle sales fell by nearly 22%, attributed to US tariffs and subsidy rollbacks. This follows another record sales performance by the automakers in January, further highlighting the strength of their SUV and hybrid offerings.

Key Points: Hyundai, Kia Post Record US Sales in February

  • Record combined US sales for February
  • Strong SUV demand drives growth
  • Hybrid models see robust interest
  • EV sales decline due to tariffs
2 min read

Hyundai, Kia post record Feb sales in US on strong demand for SUV, hybrid cars

Hyundai and Kia report record February US sales, driven by strong SUV and hybrid demand, while EV sales decline due to tariffs.

"Both Hyundai and Kia marked their highest-ever sales for the month of February."

Seoul, March 4

Hyundai Motor and Kia reported record vehicle sales for February in the United States, driven by robust demand for sport utility vehicles and hybrid models, the automakers said on Wednesday.

The South Korean automakers sold a combined 137,412 vehicles in the U.S. last month, up 5 percent from a year earlier, according to the companies, reports Yonhap news agency.

Hyundai Motor, including its luxury brand Genesis, sold 71,407 units, up 5.7 percent on-year, while Kia's sales gained 4.3 percent on-year to 66,005 units. Both Hyundai and Kia marked their highest-ever sales for the month of February.

Hyundai Motor's performance was backed by strong demand for midsize and large SUVs, with sales of the Palisade jumping 28.4 percent on-year to 10,025 units and those of the Santa Fe rising 18.6 percent to 11,344 units.

The sales boost of Kia was supported by sharp gains across key models. Sales of the Telluride SUV surged 68.7 percent to 13,198 units, while those for the K5 sedan jumped 60.6 percent to 13,198 units.

In contrast, combined electric vehicle (EV) sales fell 21.9 percent on-year to 5,576 units, reflecting the continued effect of Washington's auto tariffs and rollback of related subsidies.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor and Kia also reported record vehicle sales for January in the United States, driven by strong demand for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and hybrid models.

The two automakers sold a combined 125,296 vehicles in the U.S. last month, up 7.7 percent from a year earlier, according to the companies.

Hyundai Motor's performance was backed by strong SUV sales. Palisade SUV sales climbed 28.7 percent on-year to 8,604 units, while those of the Kona compact SUV rose 21.9 percent to 5,321 units.

The sales boost of Kia was supported by sharp gains across key models. Sales of the Seltos compact SUV spiked 85.8 percent to 5,278 units, and those of the Carnival minivan soared 60.4 percent to 5,879 units.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Interesting that EV sales are down in the US due to tariffs and subsidy rollbacks. In India, we need more affordable EVs with better charging infrastructure. Maybe Hyundai/Kia can focus more on that segment here.
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Aman W
The Creta and Seltos are already bestsellers in India. This US success story shows their global strategy is working. Hope this means more investment and newer models for Indian customers as well.
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Priyanka N
While it's good news for the companies, I hope their focus on hybrids and SUVs doesn't mean they neglect developing more budget-friendly, fuel-efficient cars for price-sensitive markets like India. Not everyone can afford these large vehicles.
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Vikram M
The Telluride with a 68.7% surge is impressive! Korean automakers have really upped their game in design and reliability. Makes me proud of Asian manufacturing competing so strongly in the American market.
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Karthik V
Record sales in the US are good, but what about after-sales service and spare parts availability? Sometimes global success means less focus on existing markets. Hope Hyundai India maintains its service quality.

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