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

Hyundai Motor and Kia reported record combined vehicle sales in the United States for January, totaling over 125,000 units. The strong performance was fueled by robust demand for SUV models like the Palisade, Kona, and Seltos. Hybrid vehicle sales saw a dramatic increase of 65.7%, highlighting a significant consumer shift. In contrast, combined EV sales fell sharply, attributed to the impact of US tariffs and subsidy rollbacks.

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

  • Record US sales for Hyundai & Kia
  • SUV models drive major growth
  • Hybrid sales surge over 65%
  • EV sales decline due to US tariffs
2 min read

Hyundai Motor, Kia post record Jan sales in US on SUV, hybrid demand

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

"The two automakers sold a combined 125,296 vehicles in the U.S. last month, up 7.7 percent from a year earlier - Yonhap news agency"

Seoul, Feb 4

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

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, reports Yonhap news agency.

Hyundai Motor, including its luxury brand Genesis, sold 60,794 units, up 2.4 percent on-year, while Kia's sales jumped 13.1 percent to 64,502 units. Both brands marked their highest-ever sales for the month of January.

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.

The companies' combined hybrid vehicle sales surged 65.7 percent to 27,489 units, with Hyundai Motor and Kia posting increases of 51.9 percent and 83.8 percent, respectively.

In contrast, combined electric vehicle (EV) sales fell 33.7 percent on-year to 4,471 units, reflecting the continued effect of Washington's auto tariffs and rollback of related subsidies.

Meanwhile, sales of imported vehicles in South Korea jumped 37.6 percent in January from a year earlier, buoyed by strong demand for Tesla and BYD electric vehicle (EV) models, industry data showed.

New registrations of imported cars rose to 20,960 units last month from 15,229 units a year earlier, according to the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA).

The three bestselling models in January were the Mercedes-Benz E 200 sedan, the BMW 520 sedan and the Tesla Model Y, the data showed.

Sales of Tesla vehicles surged to 1,966 units last month from just five a year earlier. BYD sales totalled 1,347 units last month, as BYD Korea Co., the South Korean unit of China's BYD Co., began local operations in January last year, with sales first reported from March.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting data. The hybrid sales surge makes sense - they're a practical middle ground. But the EV sales drop in the US is a bit worrying. In India, we need more affordable EVs with better charging infra, not just luxury imports like Tesla.
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Aman W
The Carnival minivan sales up 60%! Shows the demand for family vehicles is strong everywhere. In our joint families, a comfortable 7-seater is always in demand. Hyundai should focus on making their Indian models just as reliable as the ones they export.
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Sarah B
As someone who recently bought a Hyundai in India, this is encouraging news about their global performance. However, I do wish the after-sales service and spare parts availability in tier-2 cities matched their international standards. A bit of constructive feedback for the company.
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Vikram M
The contrast is stark. EVs falling in the US but Tesla and BYD booming in South Korea itself! Policy matters so much. India's EV policy needs to be clear and stable to attract investment and give buyers confidence. Jai Hind!
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Karthik V
Solid numbers. SUVs are kings everywhere now, from America to India. The Palisade looks fantastic, but it's too premium for most here. Hope they continue to invest in making great cars for the Indian middle class. Tata and Mahindra are giving tough competition now!

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