Hyundai Motor, South Korea’s leading automaker, saw its U.S. sales rise by 3 percent in February, marking the highest-ever sales for the month, the company announced on Sunday. This growth was driven by a strong demand for hybrid and electric vehicles, signaling a shift toward greener transportation options.
Hyundai’s Record-Breaking Sales Performance
Hyundai Motor Company sold 62,032 vehicles in the U.S. in February, compared to 60,341 units in the same month last year. The company attributed this growth to a significant rise in hybrid and electric vehicle sales. The Santa Fe hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) recorded a staggering 194 percent increase in sales, while the Ioniq 6 EV saw a 12 percent boost.
The February sales figures mark Hyundai’s best-ever performance for the month in the United States, reflecting increasing consumer interest in electrified models.
Kia Joins Hyundai in Setting Records
Hyundai’s sister company, Kia Corp., also recorded its best-ever U.S. sales for February. Kia sold 63,303 units in the U.S., marking a 7.2 percent year-on-year increase. The automaker credited its success to the popularity of its sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and strong demand for the newly launched K4 sedan.
January Sales Decline Due to Fewer Business Days
Despite the February surge, Hyundai and Kia faced setbacks in January. Hyundai Motor reported a 2.3 percent decline in global sales, delivering 310,399 units compared to 317,823 in January 2023. The automaker pointed to fewer business days caused by the extended Lunar New Year holiday as a primary factor behind the decline.
Domestic sales fell 7.5 percent to 46,054 units, while overseas sales slipped 1.4 percent to 264,345 units. The best-selling model in South Korea for January was the Grandeur sedan, with 5,711 units sold, while the Santa Fe remained the most popular SUV, selling 4,819 units.
Similarly, Kia’s total sales for January dropped 2.4 percent due to the same holiday-related reduction in working days.
A Strong Outlook for Hyundai and Kia
The record-setting sales in February indicate a positive trajectory for both Hyundai and Kia, particularly in the U.S. market, where hybrid and electric vehicle adoption is increasing. Hyundai’s continued investment in electrification and innovation positions the company well for future growth.
With global trends shifting toward sustainability, both automakers are expected to further expand their electric and hybrid vehicle offerings. As they rebound from the January slump, Hyundai and Kia remain poised to capitalize on growing consumer interest in fuel-efficient and eco-friendly vehicles.
