Despite high tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia recorded a sales increase last month.
According to Hyundai Motor Group, Hyundai sold 86,230 units in the U.S. in July, up 14.4% from a year ago, while Kia sold 71,123 units. Kia's sales increased by 11.9% compared to the same period last year. Genesis is included in Hyundai's sales statistics, recording an 8% increase with 6,687 units sold. Hyundai Motor Group's sales in the U.S. in July totaled 157,353 units, up 13.2%.
For Hyundai, sports utility vehicles (SUV) Santa Fe and Palisade drove the sales figures. Santa Fe sold 14,128 units, a 57.2% increase compared to the same period last year, while Palisade sold 13,235 units, up 53.5%. The best-selling vehicle was Tucson, with 16,406 units sold. As a result, Hyundai recorded a sales increase for 10 consecutive months.
With 14,392 units sold, Sportage topped Kia's sales, while the K4 also contributed. The K4, launched last year, sold 11,118 units in July. It has recorded sales of over 10,000 units for seven consecutive months this year. Carnival also contributed to the sales with 5,928 units sold, a 30.1% increase compared to the same period last year, and Soul recorded 4,665 units, a 36.1% increase.
Sales of eco-friendly vehicles also increased. Hyundai Motor Company and Kia sold 48,050 eco-friendly vehicles last month, a 42.6% increase from the previous year. The share of eco-friendly vehicle sales for Hyundai Motor Company and Kia in the U.S. is 26%. In particular, hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) recorded sales of 28,733 units, up 48.2%. Hyundai sold 16,842 units, and Kia sold 11,891 units, with increases of 36.4% and 68.9%, respectively.
Hyundai Motor Group's electric vehicle sales totaled 12,117 units, with Hyundai contributing 8,731 units and Kia 3,686 units. Hyundai's sales increased by 72.7% compared to a year ago as the sales of Ioniq 9 intensified, but Kia's sales decreased by 15.7%.
Hyundai Motor Group's sales growth rate was the highest, excluding Japanese automotive corporation Toyota. Toyota's sales growth rate in the U.S. last month was recorded at an increase of 19.9% compared to the previous year. Other rates included Ford at 9.4%, Honda at 0.2%, Subaru at 4.5%, and Mazda at 13.0%.