Summary
- Hyundai and Kia both had record November sales in the United States
- Hyundai’s total sales were up 8%, with a 77% increase in EV sales
- The Hyundai Ioniq 5 was the best-selling EV for Hyundai in November
- Kia’s total sales were up 20%, with gains in SUV and electrified vehicle sales
- The Kia EV9 surpassed the EV6 as the best-selling EV for Kia in November
Article
Record November Sales for Hyundai and Kia
Hyundai and Kia both achieved record November sales in the United States, with a significant increase in sales of their EV and electrified vehicle lineups. Hyundai’s total sales rose by 8%, with EVs increasing by 77%, hybrid sales by 104%, and all electrified model sales by 92%. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV saw a remarkable 110% year-over-year increase in November, while other models like the Santa Fe hybrid and Tucson plug-in hybrid also experienced growth.
Strong Performance of Electrified Vehicles
Kia sold 70,107 units last month, marking a 20% increase over the previous year. The success can be attributed to the performance of its SUV lineup and electrified vehicle sales. The EV6 saw a sales increase of 46% year-over-year, while the Sportage models (both hybrid and plug-in hybrid) also performed well. The EV9 electric three-row family became Kia’s best-selling EV in November, surpassing the EV6 in sales figures.
Excitement for Upcoming Models
Both Hyundai and Kia are gearing up for a successful year in sales with their expanding portfolio of electric vehicles. The upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9 GT are expected to further boost sales for the Korean automakers. Despite the impressive growth in EV sales, pure electric vehicles still have a long way to go to catch up with combustion and hybrid models, as they currently make up a small percentage of total sales for both brands.
Positive Outlook for Future Sales
Hyundai’s CEO, Randy Parker, expressed optimism about the brand’s future sales, especially with the upcoming release of the U.S.-built IONIQ 9. Kia’s Vice President of Sales Operations, Eric Watson, highlighted the success of the Telluride SUV and the brand’s commitment to offering world-class ICE and electrified vehicles. With new models unveiled at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia is poised for continued success in the market.
Market Trends and Challenges
Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, both Hyundai and Kia face challenges in increasing the market share of EVs compared to traditional combustion and hybrid models. The current sales figures show that EVs make up a small percentage of overall sales for both brands. However, with the introduction of new electric models and a focus on sustainability, Hyundai and Kia are positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for electrified vehicles in the market.
Conclusion
Hyundai and Kia have achieved record November sales in the United States, driven by the strong performance of their EV and electrified vehicle lineups. The success of models like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV9 demonstrates a growing consumer interest in electric vehicles. With the upcoming release of new electric models and a commitment to sustainability, Hyundai and Kia are well-positioned for continued success in the automotive market. However, the brands will need to address challenges in increasing the market share of EVs to compete with traditional combustion and hybrid models effectively.
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