Korean Auto Sales in U.S. Set January Record at 125,296

Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis posted a January record in combined U.S. sales, even as most electric models declined.

According to January sales results, the three Korean automakers sold a combined 125,296 vehicles, up 8% from 116,362 a year earlier.

The gains were concentrated in SUVs and internal-combustion models, while nearly all EV models posted double-digit declines. The slowdown in EV demand was attributed to the end of federal incentives last year, the report said.

Hyundai sold 55,624 vehicles, a 2% increase from a year earlier, setting its own January sales record. Palisade sales rose to 8,604, and Kona increased to 5,321, both posting double-digit gains. In EVs, the Ioniq 5 fell 6% to 2,126 and the Ioniq 6 dropped 61% to 344. The newly introduced Ioniq 9 sold 580 units, helping offset the weakness in Hyundai’s EV lineup.

Kia reported 64,502 sales, up 13%, the strongest growth rate among the three brands. Key SUV models posted double-digit gains, including the Sportage at 13,984, the Seltos at 5,278, and the Carnival at 5,879. Niro sales climbed 164% to 3,170. Kia’s main EV models moved in the opposite direction, with the EV6 down 65% to 540 and the EV9 down 45% to 674.

Luxury brand Genesis sold 5,170 vehicles, up 7%. The gains were led by the GV70 at 2,203, the GV80 at 1,638, and the GV80 Coupe at 307. In its EV lineup, the GV60 EV dropped 94% to 11, and the GV70 EV fell 91% to 17.

BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]