Seoul: Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. reported record vehicle sales for January in the United States, driven by strong demand for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and hybrid models, the automakers said Wednesday. The two automakers sold a combined 125,296 vehicles in the US last month, up 7.7 percent from a year earlier, according to the companies.
According to Philippines News Agency, Hyundai Motor, including its luxury brand Genesis, sold 60,794 units, marking a 2.4 percent increase on-year, while Kia's sales jumped 13.1 percent to 64,502 units. Both brands achieved their highest-ever sales for the month of January.
Hyundai Motor's performance was primarily supported by robust SUV sales. Notably, Palisade SUV sales climbed 28.7 percent on-year to 8,604 units, and Kona compact SUV sales rose 21.9 percent to 5,321 units.
Kia's sales boost was driven by significant gains across key models. Sales of the Seltos compact SUV spiked 85.8 percent to 5,278 units, while the Carnival minivan saw an increase of 60.4 percent, reaching 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. However, combined electric vehicle (EV) sales declined 33.7 percent on-year to 4,471 units, reflecting the continued impact of Washington's auto tariffs and the rollback of related subsidies.
