While Hyundai and Kia’s hybrid sales continue to rise, electric vehicle sales are plummeting. Hybrids are thriving, while electric vehicles are facing tough times.
From January to last month, Hyundai and Kia’s total sales of hybrid vehicles reached 112,327 units, up 37% from 81,932 units during the same period last year. The brand performing best within the Hyundai Motor Group is Kia. Kia sold a total of 65,977 hybrid models this year, representing a significant increase of 52% from 43,331 units in the previous year.
The model that has propelled Kia to the top of hybrid sales is the Sorento Hybrid, with 24,898 units sold, reflecting a growth rate of 73% compared to the previous year. The Carnival Hybrid, fitted with a hybrid engine, also contributed significantly, with 15,970 units sold over four months.
Hyundai sold 43,650 units, which is a 20% increase from 38,601 units during the same period last year. Leading Hyundai’s hybrid sales is the Santa Fe Hybrid, which saw a remarkable increase to 19,751 units from just 6,158 units a year ago, resulting in a 220% growth. Following the Santa Fe Hybrid is the Grandeur Hybrid with 10,650 units, down 42.9% from last year’s 18,643 units.
The situation for electric vehicles is the exact opposite.
The Hyundai Motor Group’s electric vehicle sales have fallen to 19,604 units, down 54.7% from 43,357 units during the same period last year. Hyundai’s sales were 10,084 units, reflecting a 59% drop from 24,384 units a year earlier. The Porter EV sold 3,736 units, also down 64.9% from 10,630 units the previous year. The Ioniq 5 recorded 3,704 units, a 36.3% decline from 5,811 units the year before. The Ioniq 6 saw a drastic decrease, with only 1,459 units sold, down 71.8% from 5,171 units last year.
Kia’s numbers are similarly concerning, with electric vehicle sales at 9,596 units, down 49.4% from 18,973 units in the previous year. The Ray EV was the top seller with 3,658 units sold. The EV6 sold only 2,495 units, reflecting a 67.4% drop from 7,654 units year-over-year. The Bongo EV also saw a significant decline, with sales of 1,929 units, down 76.5% from 8,207 units the previous year.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr