Seoul: U.S. sales of Hyundai Motor Co. and its smaller affiliate Kia Corp. rose 6.7 percent in May compared to the previous year, despite concerns over tariffs affecting growth rates. The two companies reported a combined total of 170,251 vehicles sold in the U.S. last month, an increase from 159,558 units in the same period last year, based on company sales data.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Hyundai's individual sales increased by 8.1 percent, reaching 91,244 units, up from 84,402 units the previous year. Kia's sales also showed growth, rising by 5.1 percent to 79,007 units from 75,156 units. The sales figures for Hyundai include its independent luxury brand, Genesis.
The companies had previously experienced double-digit on-year sales growth in April within the U.S., the world's largest automotive market. Hyundai attributed its continued growth in May to strong demand for models such as the Elantra compact car, and the Tucson and Santa Fe sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations at Kia America, noted in a press release that Kia's diverse powertrain lineup, which includes internal combustion engines, hybrids, and EVs, along with high demand for the Telluride and Sportage SUVs, the Carnival minivan, and the K4 sedan, have been significant contributors to Kia's ongoing sales growth.
From January to May, Hyundai and Kia collectively sold 752,778 vehicles in the U.S. market, marking a 10.9 percent increase from the 678,625 units sold during the same period last year, according to the data.