Hyundai closed July with a record sales month in the US, driven primarily by a significant rise in hybrid vehicle sales. The Korean automaker sold 82,480 vehicles, marking a 4.0 percent increase compared to July last year.
Hybrids Lead the Growth
Hyundai’s hybrid lineup experienced strong demand, with sales jumping 35.0 percent year-over-year. Among the hybrids, the Sonata, Elantra, and Tucson models all contributed to this surge, seeing increases of 85.0 percent, 13.0 percent, and 5.0 percent respectively. This boost pushed hybrid vehicles to represent about one-third of all retail sales last month.
The popularity of hybrids seems linked to ongoing high fuel prices, which continue to make efficient powertrains attractive to buyers. Hyundai Motor North America’s President and CEO, Randy Parker, highlighted that hybrid SUVs were especially popular, with the Tucson and Elantra leading the way.
SUVs Still Dominate Overall Sales Despite Mixed Results
Despite gains in hybrids and some sedans, Hyundai’s overall SUV sales showed a mixed picture. The Tucson enjoyed a 20.0 percent sales increase and remained the best-selling Hyundai model in July, while other SUVs like the Palisade, Santa Fe, and Kona saw declines of 8.0 percent, 5.0 percent, and 4.0 percent, respectively. SUVs made up 73.0 percent of Hyundai’s total US sales last month.
The Elantra sedan also saw a strong month, with sales rising 39.0 percent to nearly match the Tucson’s volume. Hyundai sold 17,115 Elantras compared to 19,714 Tucsons.
Electric Vehicle Sales Fall Behind
While hybrid sales surged, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales slipped. The Ioniq 5, Hyundai’s main electric hatchback, sold 3,635 units in July—a small drop that leaves its year-to-date sales down 2.0 percent, with over 24,000 units sold.
The Ioniq 6 sedan is seeing very low demand, with just 76 units sold in July, a steep 92 percent decline. The new three-row Ioniq 9 also faced a sales drop of 35 percent compared to last July.
Steady Overall Growth for Hyundai in the US
Despite some declines in electric vehicle sales and certain SUV models, Hyundai’s overall US sales rose modestly by 4.0 percent in July. For the year through July, Hyundai’s total sales increased by 3.0 percent, with 533,048 vehicles sold so far.
Hyundai’s range of affordable hybrid vehicles is clearly resonating with customers seeking efficient and cost-effective options amid fluctuating fuel prices.
Source: motor1.com