Hyundai Motor Group is enjoying one of its strongest years yet in the United States. Backed by growing demand for hybrid vehicles, Hyundai and Kia are steadily increasing their presence in the world’s second-largest car market.
According to industry data from Omdia, the two brands sold a combined 589,936 vehicles in the U.S. between January and April, up 1.3% from the same period last year. Hyundai sold 310,218 units, while Kia contributed 279,718.
The numbers are particularly notable because the overall U.S. auto market slowed during the same period, with total vehicle sales falling 6.7%.
Outperforming Bigger Rivals
While Hyundai and Kia posted growth, several larger rivals struggled to maintain sales momentum.
General Motors, Toyota and Ford all reported year-on-year declines during the first four months of the year. Among major automakers, Stellantis was the only other company to record growth.
The strong performance lifted Hyundai Motor Group’s U.S. market share to 11.8%, up from 10.8% a year earlier. The company remains fourth in the market, behind GM, Toyota and Ford, but the gap is narrowing.
After reaching a record 11.3% share in 2025, Hyundai is now on track to cross the 12% mark for the first time.
Hybrids Drive Growth
Much of Hyundai’s success has come from its hybrid lineup.
As buyers look for better fuel economy without fully committing to electric vehicles, hybrids have become an increasingly attractive option. At the same time, uncertainty surrounding EV incentives and fluctuating fuel prices has encouraged many consumers to consider hybrid models.
Hyundai and Kia’s hybrid sales jumped 53.2% in the first quarter to 97,627 units. In May alone, hybrid sales climbed 74.4% year-on-year to a record 43,392 vehicles.
Models such as the Tucson Hybrid have been among the key contributors to that growth.
Flexible Strategy Paying Off
Hyundai has continued to invest across multiple powertrain options rather than focusing on a single technology. The company now offers a mix of petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles, allowing it to adapt to changing customer preferences.
The automaker has also earned recognition for its electrified lineup. Earlier this year, the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Tucson Hybrid were named winners in U.S. News & World Report’s annual awards for hybrid and electric vehicles.
A Hyundai Motor spokesperson said the company will continue responding to market demand through a broad eco-friendly vehicle strategy.
With hybrid sales reaching record levels and competitors facing softer demand, Hyundai Motor Group is strengthening its position in the U.S. market and moving closer to another milestone year.
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