Hyundai, Kia Hit Record US Market Share in 2025 Despite Trump Tariffs

Hyundai Motor and Kia achieved a record combined market share of 11.3% in the United States in 2025. Their sales growth of 7.5% significantly outpaced the overall US auto market's 2.4% increase. This success is attributed to expanded local production, including a new plant in Georgia, and a strategic decision to absorb tariff costs. Strong hybrid vehicle sales, which jumped 48.8%, were also a major contributing factor.

Key Points: Hyundai, Kia US Market Share Hits Record in 2025

  • Record 11.3% combined US market share
  • Sales growth outpaced total US auto market
  • Expanded local production in Georgia
  • Hybrid vehicle sales surged nearly 50%
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Hyundai, Kia post record US market share in 2025 despite Trump tariffs

Hyundai and Kia achieve a record 11.3% US market share in 2025, driven by local production and hybrid sales, despite tariffs.

"The group benefited from a flexible production strategy and a decision to absorb tariff-related costs. - Analysts"

Seoul, Jan 18

Hyundai Motor and its sister firm Kia posted a record combined market share in the United States in 2025, buoyed by expanded local production and strong hybrid vehicle sales, despite Washington's aggressive tariff measures, officials said on Sunday.

The two South Korean automakers sold a combined 1.84 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, accounting for a record market share of 11.3 per cent, according to data from market watcher Wards Intelligence and industry sources, reports Yonhap news agency.

Hyundai accounted for 6.1 per cent of the U.S. market with sales of 984,017 units, while Kia held a 5.2 per cent share with 852,155 vehicles sold.

The motor group ranked fourth in the U.S. market last year, trailing General Motors at 17.5 per cent, Toyota Motor Corp. at 15.5 per cent and Ford Motor Co. at 13.1 per cent.

The market share growth was attributable to its marked sales expansion.

Total U.S. auto sales rose 2.4 per cent to 16.23 million vehicles in 2025, while Hyundai and Kia sales climbed 7.5 per cent.

Analysts also pointed out that the group benefited from a flexible production strategy and a decision to absorb tariff-related costs, rather than passing them on to consumers.

Last year, Hyundai completed its third U.S. plant in Georgia, strengthening its ability to respond to local demand and offset tariff pressures. Vehicle shipments from South Korea to the U.S. fell 4.2 percent on-year in 2025.

Strong sales of hybrid vehicles also boosted the market share, with the automakers' U.S. hybrid sales surging 48.8 percent to 331,023 units last year, the data showed.

The group has said it plans to expand U.S. production capacity to more than 1.2 million vehicles, up from about 700,000 as of 2024, said the report.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Impressive numbers! 🚗 It shows that good products will find a market despite political hurdles. I own a Hyundai Creta here in India and the quality is excellent. No wonder they are succeeding globally.
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Rohit P
Local production is key. They built plants in the US to get around tariffs. Our 'Make in India' initiative aims for the same – reduce dependency on imports and create local jobs. More global companies should set up shop here too.
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Sarah B
A 48.8% surge in hybrid sales is the real story here. Consumers everywhere are becoming more conscious. I hope this success pushes them to bring more of their latest hybrid and EV models to the Indian market faster.
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Vikram M
While this is a corporate success, I have a respectful criticism. I wish Hyundai-Kia showed the same aggressive investment and pricing strategy in India for EVs as they seem to in the US. Our market needs more affordable electric options.
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Karthik V
Fourth in the US market is no small feat, especially beating American stalwarts like Stellantis. It proves that globalization works both ways. Asian automakers can lead in Western markets with the right product and planning.

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