Did Hyundai Motor and Kia Achieve Record Sales in January?
Synopsis
Hyundai Motor and Kia have set remarkable records for vehicle sales in January, showcasing a significant rise in SUV and hybrid model demand. This surge in sales reflects changing consumer preferences and robust performance in the automotive market.
Key Takeaways
Hyundai Motor sold 60,794 units in January.
Kia achieved sales of 64,502 units .
Record sales were driven by strong demand for SUVs and hybrids.
Hybrid vehicle sales rose by 65.7 percent .
Electric vehicle sales fell by 33.7 percent .
Seoul, Feb 4 (NationPress) Hyundai Motor and Kia announced exceptional vehicle sales for January in the United States, fueled by robust interest in sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and hybrid models, as stated by the automakers on Wednesday.
The two companies collectively sold 125,296 vehicles in the U.S. last month, marking a 7.7 percent increase compared to the same month last year, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
Hyundai Motor, which includes its luxury division Genesis, recorded 60,794 units sold, reflecting a 2.4 percent year-on-year growth, while Kia's sales surged by 13.1 percent to 64,502 units. Both brands achieved their highest sales figures ever for the month of January.
The strength of Hyundai Motor’s results was supported by impressive sales of SUVs. Palisade SUV sales increased by 28.7 percent year-on-year to 8,604 units, and Kona compact SUV sales rose by 21.9 percent to 5,321 units.
Kia's sales growth was bolstered by significant increases across key models. The sales of the Seltos compact SUV soared by 85.8 percent to 5,278 units, while the Carnival minivan experienced a 60.4 percent increase to 5,879 units.
In addition, the combined sales of hybrid vehicles from both companies surged by 65.7 percent to 27,489 units, with Hyundai Motor and Kia seeing increases of 51.9 percent and 83.8 percent, respectively.
Conversely, the total sales of electric vehicles (EVs) fell by 33.7 percent year-on-year to 4,471 units, reflecting the ongoing impact of Washington's auto tariffs and the rollback of associated subsidies.
Meanwhile, sales of imported vehicles in South Korea surged by 37.6 percent in January compared to the previous year, driven by strong interest in Tesla and BYD electric vehicle models, according to industry data.
New registrations of imported cars rose to 20,960 units last month, up from 15,229 units a year prior, as reported by the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA).
The top three best-selling models in January were the Mercedes-Benz E 200 sedan, BMW 520 sedan, and Tesla Model Y, as per the data.
Tesla vehicle sales skyrocketed to 1,966 units last month, a dramatic increase from just five a year earlier. BYD reported sales of 1,347 units last month, as BYD Korea Co., the South Korean branch of China’s BYD Co., began local operations in January last year, with sales first recorded in March.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of Hyundai Motor and Kia's record-setting sales in the U.S. market. This achievement reflects not only the brands' adaptability but also the evolving preferences of consumers. It's crucial for stakeholders and industry watchers to observe these trends closely as they could shape the future of the automotive sector.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contributed to the record sales of Hyundai Motor and Kia in January?
The record sales were primarily driven by strong demand for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and hybrid models.
How much did Hyundai and Kia's sales increase compared to last year?
The combined sales increased by 7.7 percent compared to January of the previous year.
What are the best-selling models from these manufacturers?
The best-selling models included the Palisade SUV, Seltos compact SUV, and Carnival minivan.
How did hybrid vehicle sales perform?
Hybrid vehicle sales surged by 65.7 percent to a total of 27,489 units.
What impact did tariffs have on electric vehicle sales?
Electric vehicle sales fell by 33.7 percent, attributed to the effects of Washington's auto tariffs.
