Hyundai and Kia to Usher in the Era of 500,000 Eco-Friendly Vehicles This Year: "Chung Euisun's Electrification Vision Comes to Fruition"

Domestic Eco-Friendly Vehicle Sales Hit Record High of 491,000 Units Last Year

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia set a new record for eco-friendly vehicle sales last year and are on track to surpass 500,000 units this year. Analysts attribute Hyundai Motor Group's domestic market success to the electrification vision presented by Chairman Chung Euisun.

According to industry sources on January 9, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia sold a total of 491,211 eco-friendly vehicles in Korea last year. This represents an increase of about 16% compared to the previous year (423,059 units) and marks the highest annual sales volume for eco-friendly vehicles to date.

Looking at the annual figures, domestic sales of eco-friendly vehicles by Hyundai Motor Company and Kia have steadily increased from 229,107 units in 2021 to 281,577 units in 2022, 372,665 units in 2023, and 423,059 units in 2024. In 2025, the figure approached 500,000 units for the first time.

By vehicle type, hybrids (HEVs) accounted for 370,679 units, making up about 75% of all eco-friendly vehicle sales and establishing themselves as the core segment. Hyundai Motor Company's Grandeur, Sonata, and Santa Fe hybrids, as well as Kia's Sorento, Sportage, and Niro hybrids, led the sales by meeting consumer demand for practicality and fuel efficiency.

Hyundai Motor Company's hydrogen electric vehicle Nexo. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company

Electric vehicles (EVs) maintained a double-digit share with 114,854 units sold, while fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) recorded 5,678 units. The hydrogen sector, in particular, is an area where Chairman Chung Euisun has continuously emphasized technological leadership. Hyundai Motor Company has expanded the market with the new Nexo at its center, and Kia is also participating in the group's hydrogen strategy.

By brand, Hyundai Motor Company sold 243,106 units and Kia sold 243,939 units, demonstrating balanced growth. Hyundai Motor Company strengthened both its electric vehicle lineup, including the Ioniq 5 and 6 and Kona EV, and its main hybrid models. Kia enhanced its presence through dedicated electric vehicles such as the EV6 and EV9 and its eco-friendly SUV strategy.

Based on these achievements, it is almost certain that Hyundai Motor Company and Kia will surpass 500,000 units in domestic eco-friendly vehicle sales this year. Hyundai Motor Company plans to simultaneously enhance the competitiveness of its electric vehicles and expand its hybrid offerings, while Kia aims to further diversify its electrified model lineup.