On August 3, 2026, South Korea's SBS Biz reported that "Hyundai Motor and Kia Corporation recorded their highest-ever sales for July in the U.S. market." It is analyzed that hybrid vehicle sales increased by more than 50%, boosting overall sales performance.

Hyundai and Kia Motors recently announced that their total U.S. domestic sales in July were 165,284 units, an increase of 5.0% compared to the same month last year. Hyundai (including Genesis) saw an increase of 3.7% with 89,427 units, and Kia saw an increase of 6.7% with 75,857 units. Both companies set new record high sales for July in the U.S. market. Genesis's standalone sales were 6,947 units, an increase of 3.9%.

Hyundai Motor and Kia's sales of environmentally friendly vehicles (eco-cars) in July totaled 50,937 units, a 24.7% increase compared to the same month last year. Of these, hybrid vehicles accounted for 43,727 units, a significant increase of 52.2%. By manufacturer, Hyundai recorded 22,733 units, up 35.0%, and Kia recorded 20,994 units, a significant increase of 76.6%.

On the other hand, electric vehicles (EVs) were affected by the end of tax credits, with sales decreasing by 40.5% compared to the same month last year, totaling 7,210 units. The breakdown was 4,545 units for Hyundai (down 46.1%) and 2,665 units for Kia (down 27.7%).

In response to this article, positive comments were received from Korean netizens, such as: 'It's amazing that sales are growing despite the presence of Toyota and Lexus. This must mean they've firmly captured the U.S. market.' 'K-automobiles have also been recognized by the world.' 'For semiconductors, it's Samsung Electronics; for cars, it's Hyundai and Kia. It's very proud that their technology is recognized and sold worldwide.'

On the other hand, comments such as: 'There's a 10-year technology gap with Toyota's hybrid vehicles.' 'Toyota is number one in all of North America.' 'Overseas, they sell at lower prices with long-term warranties.' and 'Please build domestic models with the same meticulousness as cars exported to the U.S.' were also seen.