Despite the impact of tariffs, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia continued to post strong results in the United States last month. Thanks to a surge in electric vehicle sales and the solid performance of their flagship models, both companies achieved their highest-ever quarterly results.
On October 1 (local time), Hyundai Motor America announced that its sales in September reached 71,003 units, a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. Total sales for the third quarter, including September, amounted to 239,069 units, up 13% year-on-year, marking the highest third-quarter performance in the company’s history.
The strong results were driven by increased electric vehicle sales, including the Ioniq 5. After the federal government’s electric vehicle tax credit ($7,500) expired at the end of last month, Hyundai decided to lower the price of the 2026 Ioniq 5 model by up to $9,800 (about 13.75 million KRW) and to offer a $7,500 cash incentive for the 2025 model this month to improve consumer accessibility.
As a result, the Ioniq 5, along with the Elantra family and Santa Fe Hybrid (HEV), set new monthly sales records, while electric vehicle sales soared 153% year-on-year to reach an all-time high. Of the total sales, retail sales accounted for 57,435 units, a 7% increase, and eco-friendly vehicles represented 38% of the total. Retail sales of the Ioniq 5 jumped 151% compared to the same period last year.
During the same period, Kia America sold 65,507 units locally, an 11% increase year-on-year. Kia also achieved its highest-ever quarterly sales, with 219,637 units sold in the third quarter of this year.
By model, six key models-K5 (up 85%), Carnival (up 48%), Telluride (up 13%), Sportage (up 13%), Sorento (up 7%), and K4 (up 4%)-continued to sell steadily, driving overall results. By vehicle type, eco-friendly electrified models (up 26%), sedans (up 19%), and SUVs (up 6%) all showed growth.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
