In August, Hyundai and Kia both saw a surge in sales thanks to their electric vehicles and hybrids. Hyundai set a new August sales record with 88,523 vehicles sold, with EVs and hybrids accounting for 32% of the retail sales mix. The standout performer was the Ioniq 5, which saw a 72% increase in sales, selling 7,773 units. The Ioniq 5 has been a hit with customers, offering a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard for seamless Supercharger access.
Hyundai also saw success with its other electric models, with the Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 9 seeing sales growth of 30% and 1,106 units respectively. The Elantra and Santa Fe hybrids also reached monthly sales records, showcasing the growing demand for electrified vehicles in the market.
On the Kia side, the brand posted its highest monthly U.S. sales in company history, selling 83,007 units in August. The Sportage was the top-selling model, followed by the Telluride and the K4/Forte. The EV9 bounced back with a 12% increase in sales, selling 2,679 units. However, the EV6 saw a decline in sales for the seventh consecutive month, with 1,769 units sold.
Both Hyundai and Kia have been offering aggressive deals on their EVs, taking advantage of the federal tax credit before it expires on September 30. Despite the expected slowdown in EV sales towards the end of the year, Hyundai remains on track for its best sales year ever.
Looking ahead, Hyundai and Kia have exciting plans for more electrified models in the pipeline. The next-generation Palisade will feature a hybrid powertrain and is set to go on sale in the fall. The Kia EV3 is expected to debut in the U.S. next year, while Hyundai will reveal the Concept Three, expected to be the future Ioniq 3, at the IAA Munich auto show in Germany.
Overall, Hyundai and Kia’s success in August showcases the growing demand for electric vehicles and hybrids in the market. With more electrified models on the horizon, the future looks bright for both brands in the EV market.