U.S. Korean car sales declined in October, breaking a 13-month growth streak as the federal EV tax credit ended and battery-electric demand cooled. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis sold a combined 146,137 vehicles, down 1% from a year earlier, according to reports released on November 3.
By brand, Hyundai delivered 70,118 units (-2% year over year). EV volumes fell sharply: Ioniq 5 sold 1,642 (-63%) and Ioniq 6 398 (-52%). SUVs offset some of the decline, with Tucson up 16% to 23,036 and Santa Fe up 22% to 11,800.
Kia sold 69,002 vehicles, roughly flat from a year ago. EVs slumped—EV9 dropped 66% to 666 and EV6 fell 71% to 508—while core models rose: K5 climbed 31% to 7,631, Sportage 17% to 16,057, Seltos 32% to 5,622, and Niro 75% to 2,698.
Genesis posted 7,017 sales, up 2% year over year. GV70 increased 17% to 3,032, and GV80 Coupe rose 38% to 353. EV models retreated: GV70 EV fell 90% to 15 and GV60 EV slid 54% to 93.
While battery-electric models weakened following the end of the U.S. federal EV tax credit, hybrids surged. The three brands sold 31,102 hybrids in total, up 43.5% year over year. Hyundai hybrids rose 36.9% to 17,773 and Kia hybrids rose 53.2% to 13,329. Standouts included Palisade Hybrid at 2,470, Elantra Hybrid at 2,440 (up 86.7%), Santa Fe Hybrid at 4,472 (up 36.3%), Niro Hybrid at 2,541 (up 101.3%), and Sportage Hybrid at 6,846 (up 87.2%).
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
