Hyundai and Kia have both achieved record-breaking sales in November, with a significant boost coming from their electric vehicle (EV) and electrified lineups. Hyundai saw an overall sales increase of 8% last month, with a remarkable 77% year-over-year growth in EV sales. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, in particular, experienced a 110% surge in sales, showcasing the increasing popularity of electric vehicles among consumers. The Santa Fe hybrid and Tucson plug-in hybrid also saw notable sales increases of 64% and 23%, respectively.
On the other hand, Kia reported a 20% increase in total sales in November, surpassing the 70,000-unit mark for the first time ever in November. The success of Kia’s SUV lineup and electrified vehicle offerings played a significant role in this achievement. The EV6, Kia’s all-electric model, witnessed a 46% year-over-year sales growth, while the Sportage models, including combustion, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants, saw a 28% increase in sales.
Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, attributed the exceptional sales performance to the strong demand for EVs and hybrid vehicles. He also expressed excitement for the upcoming launch of the U.S.-built IONIQ 9. Eric Watson, vice president of sales operations at Kia America, highlighted the brand’s success in delivering world-class ICE and electrified vehicles, with the Telluride SUV playing a significant role in Kia’s sales growth.
Both Hyundai and Kia are set to introduce new electric vehicles, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9 GT, further expanding their EV portfolio. However, despite the impressive growth in EV sales, pure electric vehicles still account for a small percentage of total sales. The combined sales of the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 at Hyundai and the EV6 and EV9 at Kia represent only a fraction of the total vehicles sold by the automakers.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, Hyundai and Kia are poised for a successful year in sales. With a focus on expanding their EV offerings and meeting consumer expectations, both automakers are driving towards a sustainable and electrified future in the automotive industry.