US sales of Hyundai, Kia hybrids surge 65.5% to record 225,000 vehicles in first half

Combined sales of 920,383 vehicles mark highest-ever January-to-June total

Hyundai Motor and Kia sold a combined 920,383 vehicles in the United States from January through June, up 3% from the same period last year and marking their highest-ever first-half total, according to a report from Asia Today translated by United Press International.

Hyundai, including Genesis models, sold 489,656 vehicles, an increase of 2.7%, while Kia’s sales rose 3.4% to 430,727 vehicles. Each brand recorded its highest first-half U.S. sales.

Hybrid sales surged 65.5% to a record 225,321 vehicles. Kia’s hybrid sales jumped 85.3% to 110,451 vehicles. Hyundai’s hybrid sales rose 50% to 114,870 vehicles. Both companies posted record first-half hybrid sales.

MSI previously reported that hybrid sales jumped 33% in May alone as elevated gasoline prices pushed buyers toward the technology in a related article.

The brands’ combined sales rose 3% year-over-year while BigGo Finance data showed General Motors’ sales fell 6.8% over the same period.

Hybrid versions of the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe and the Kia Sportage, Sorento and Carnival helped drive sales. The Hyundai Elantra and Kia K4 recorded steady growth in the sedan market.

Combined sales of hybrid and electric vehicles rose 47% to 265,514 units, surpassing 250,000 for the first time. The electrified vehicles accounted for 31.2% of the companies’ total U.S. sales, or more than three out of every 10 vehicles sold.

Battery-electric vehicle sales fell 9.7% to 40,193 units, reflecting a broader slowdown in the U.S. electric vehicle market that has affected automakers across the industry.

Hyundai’s best-selling U.S. models during the first half were the Tucson with 117,612 vehicles, the Elantra with 79,839 and the Santa Fe with 64,003. Kia’s leading models were the Sportage with 94,907 vehicles, the Telluride with 73,602 and the K4 with 73,579. Most of the companies’ leading models are compact or midsize SUVs and practical sedans popular with U.S. consumers.

Industry officials said Hyundai and Kia benefited from offering hybrid powertrains across a range of vehicle categories, allowing them to respond quickly to changing consumer demand.

“Product competitiveness and the expansion of local production are supporting Hyundai and Kia’s sales in the U.S. market,” an industry official told Asia Today. “If the companies continue improving their sales mix around hybrids, they are likely to maintain solid performance in the second half.”

Uncertainty remains for the second half of the year, including possible changes to U.S. automobile tariffs, borrowing costs and continued weakness in electric vehicle demand.

Hyundai Motor Group is expanding U.S. production and accelerating operations at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia to strengthen its ability to respond to changes in trade policy and consumer demand. The group plans to expand hybrid supplies and capitalize on the competitiveness of its SUV lineup.