Seoul: Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Corp. announced that their cumulative sales of eco-friendly vehicles in the United States exceeded 1.5 million units last month. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the automotive giants as they continue to expand their presence in the U.S. market.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the combined sales of Hyundai and Kia's environment-friendly models reached 1,515,145 units as of July. This accomplishment comes 14 years after the automakers first introduced such vehicles in the world's largest automobile market. Despite a slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) demand, both companies have strategically increased their focus on gasoline hybrid and premium models in the U.S., while also maintaining their EV lineups.
The best-selling models contributing to this success include Hyundai's Tucson hybrid SUV, Sonata hybrid sedan, and the all-electric Ioniq 5, as well as Kia's Sportage and Sorento hybrid SUVs. To further strengthen their market position, Hyundai plans to introduce a hybrid version of its flagship Palisade SUV for U.S. consumers, while Kia is preparing to launch the EV4 compact electric sedan.
In July alone, Hyundai and Kia reported combined sales of 157,353 vehicles in the U.S., reflecting a 13 percent increase from the same period last year. This growth underscores the companies' commitment to meeting the evolving demands of eco-conscious consumers in the American market.