Sales of hybrid vehicles (HEV·PHEV) by Hyundai Motor and Kia surpassed 800,000 units in the global market as of October this year. With the highest sales volume ever recorded, it is expected that the goal set by Hyundai Motor Group to exceed 1 million units this year could be achievable.
According to the Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association (KAMA) and others on the 18th, domestic and international sales of hybrid vehicles by Hyundai Motor and Kia are recorded at 837,756 units as of October this year. This is a 21.5% increase compared to the same period last year (689,283 units), similar to last year's total sales volume (840,483 units). If this trend continues, sales of 1 million units this year also appear possible.
Among hybrids, HEV has shown greater popularity than PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), which can recharge its battery using external power. As of October this year, the global sales of HEVs by Hyundai Motor Group reached 744,085 units, already surpassing last year's annual sales volume (696,830 units). This figure is a 31.9% increase compared to the same period last year (563,940 units). Hyundai sold 418,350 units, while Kia sold 325,735 units. Hyundai's HEV models sold overseas by October amounted to 294,072 units, expected to surpass 400,000 units by the end of the year.
The robust sales of hybrid vehicles are considered a key factor that threatens Volkswagen Group, the second-largest global automaker. As the popularity of hybrids increases globally, Hyundai Motor Group, which offers hybrid models across various categories, is better favored by consumers. In the United States, Hyundai and Kia are selling 12 types of hybrid vehicles (5 and 7 types, respectively), making them second after Toyota Group (14 types). In contrast, Ford and Lincoln offer only 6 types, while General Motors (GM) has just 1 type. Volkswagen does not have any hybrid models.
Hyundai Motor Group's hybrid technology is highly regarded worldwide. In 2011, they independently developed the world's first parallel hybrid system (a structure that includes a clutch between the engine and motor for driving and charging). Since then, they have gradually expanded their hybrid lineup, applying hybrid engines, which were previously used only in sedans, to sports utility vehicles (SUVs) starting in 2019. Furthermore, they have enhanced performance by independently developing a 1.6L turbo engine hybrid system and hybrid batteries.
Hyundai recently unveiled the new Palisade equipped with the next-generation hybrid system TMED-Ⅱ. Previously, a hybrid system based on a 1.6L turbo engine was applied to hybrid vehicle models, but TMED-Ⅱ is based on a 2.5L turbo engine. Hyundai explained that this can increase fuel efficiency and output by about 10% compared to existing models. Hyundai plans to actively expand the next-generation hybrid system by applying TMED-Ⅱ to the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Kia's mid-size SUV Sorento in the future.
An industry insider stated, "With the expected scaling back of electric vehicle support due to the inauguration of the second term of the Trump administration, the popularity of hybrid vehicles will continue," adding that "Chinese companies are also increasing their hybrid vehicle offerings, and the development of hybrid technology needs to continue."