Hyundai Motor, Kia Post 'Record-High' October Sales in U.S., 'Driven by SUVs and Hybrids'

Hyundai Motor Sales Up 5%, Kia Sales Up 16%

Hyundai Motor and Kia posted record sales in the U.S. market in October. The results are seen as reflecting the success of their sales strategies focused on sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

Hyundai Motor America said on Wednesday that it sold a total of 73,452 vehicles in October, setting a record for the month. That was up 5% from the same period last year.

Yonhap News Agency

Sales of the Santa Fe rose 52% year over year to 17,959 units, while the Tucson sold 17,808 units despite demand from customers waiting for the new model.

The Kona (up 21%), IONIQ 5 (up 21%), Avante (sold locally as the Elantra, up 17%) and Palisade (up 14%) also drove sales. In particular, the Santa Fe and Palisade each set October sales records, including their hybrid powertrain models.

The HEV lineup posted a 20% year-over-year increase, setting a record for October and accounting for 29% of total sales that month.

Hyundai Motor's year-to-date sales reached 770,916 units, up 3% from the same period last year, while sales of hybrid models rose 50%.

Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, said, "Regardless of changes in U.S. government policies or the incentive environment, we are focused on bringing all our capabilities to bear to maintain strong competitiveness centered on value, choice and reliability. After achieving a record for retail sales for the fifth consecutive year last year, we are on track to set a new retail sales record for the sixth consecutive year."

Kia also posted record sales in October, extending its streak of monthly records to six consecutive months.

Kia America said it sold 80,008 vehicles in October, up 16% from the same period last year. Sales in the eco-friendly and hybrid vehicle segments also surged 112% and 114%, respectively, from a year earlier, helping drive the October record.

Sportage sales rose 12% from the same month last year to 17,977 units. Eight models posted significant year-over-year sales growth: the Telluride (up 63%), Seltos (up 43%), Sorento (up 31%), Carnival (up 17%), K4 (up 14%), EV9 (up 111%), EV6 (up 58%) and Sportage.

In particular, the Telluride, Seltos, Carnival, K4 and Sportage each set October sales records. The Sorento Hybrid (up 122%), Carnival Hybrid (up 88%) and Sportage Hybrid (up 57%) also recorded strong sales growth.

Eric Watson, Kia America's executive vice president of sales, said, "We have extended our record-setting streak to six consecutive months and are on track to set an annual sales record for the fourth consecutive year. Our expanding hybrid lineup, the launch of the all-new EV3, and the success of the new Telluride and Seltos are further accelerating our growth."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.