Seoul: Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. reported a modest rise in their combined vehicle sales in the United States for June, with a growth rate of 0.9 percent compared to the same period last year. This increase marks a slowdown from May's figures, amidst ongoing concerns over U.S. auto tariffs.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the two automakers sold a total of 140,374 vehicles in the U.S. last month, a slight increase from 139,179 units a year earlier. The sales growth in May was notably higher, at 6.7 percent year-on-year. Hyundai's sales in June rose by 4.5 percent to 76,525 units from 73,250, while Kia experienced a 3.2 percent decline, selling 63,849 units compared to 65,929 in June of the previous year. Hyundai's sales figures include those of its independent luxury brand, Genesis.
The companies attributed their sales to consistent demand for gasoline hybrid models, recreational vehicles, and Genesis-brand SUVs, which continue to find favor in the U.S. market. Over the first half of the year, combined U.S. sales climbed 9.2 percent year-on-year to 893,152 units from 817,804. Specifically, Hyundai's sales saw a 10.5 percent increase to 476,641 units, while Kia's sales grew by 7.8 percent to 416,511 units.
Kia achieved a record-breaking first-half sales performance in the U.S., despite uncertainties surrounding the import tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump. Kia America's president, Yoon Seung-kyu, highlighted the sales success of core models such as the Carnival, Telluride, Sportage, and K4 in the U.S. market.
Looking forward, both Hyundai and Kia remain cautious as they anticipate the need to raise vehicle prices to accommodate the 25 percent auto tariffs that took effect on April 3. Additionally, President Trump has indicated the possibility of increasing auto tariffs further to protect American autoworkers.