Korean car brands’ sales in the U.S. were nearly unchanged in November compared to last year, as automakers continued to face weak electric vehicle demand following the end of the federal EV tax credit in September. According to sales results released on December 2, Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis sold a combined 154,308 vehicles, almost identical to the 154,118 units sold a year earlier.
Despite the decline in EV demand, the companies offset losses through strong sales of SUVs and hybrids. Hyundai posted 74,289 vehicles sold, down 2% from a year earlier. The Tucson rose 18% to 23,762 units, and the Santa Fe climbed 13% to 14,004. Sedans such as the Sonata and Elantra weakened. EV sales fell sharply: the Ioniq 5 dropped 59% to 2,027 units, the Ioniq 6 declined 56% to 489, and the new Ioniq 9 recorded 315 units.
Kia sold 72,002 vehicles, a 3% increase and its best November on record. But its EVs also struggled. The EV9 plunged 57% to 918 units, while the EV6 dropped 68% to 603. The Niro, including hybrid variants, surged 222% to 5,230 units. Models such as the Seltos, Carnival, and Sportage delivered steady gains.
Genesis reported 8,017 vehicles sold, unchanged from a year earlier. Strong performers included the G80, GV80, and GV80 Coupe, while EV models—the G80 EV, GV60 EV, and GV70 EV—all posted double-digit declines.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koradaily.com]
