Hyundai Reports 2% Sales Decline in March, Kia Sees 2.2% Increase
Hyundai Motor reported a 2% decline in its March sales, with a total of 365,812 vehicles sold, compared to 373,290 units in the same month last year. The drop was attributed to weaker demand in overseas markets. However, domestic sales saw a slight increase, rising by 0.9% to 63,090 units, while overseas sales fell by 2.6% to 302,722 units.
The bestselling model in South Korea was the Avante, with 6,829 units sold, followed closely by the Grandeur sedan at 6,211 units. The Sante Fe SUV remained the most popular among Hyundai’s sport utility vehicles (SUVs) domestically, with 5,591 units sold.
Despite the decline in international sales, Hyundai officials stated their focus would be on strengthening sales and production strategies tailored to regional market needs and policy changes.
In contrast, Kia reported a 2.2% rise in its March sales, reaching 278,058 vehicles, up from 272,011 units in March 2024. Domestic sales increased by 2% to 50,006 units, while overseas sales rose by 2.2% to 227,724 units.
Kia’s top-selling vehicle model in international markets was the Sportage SUV, with 42,579 units sold. The Sorento and K3 followed, selling 20,439 units and 18,200 units, respectively. Domestically, the Sorento was the most popular model, with 10,155 units sold.
Kia also announced its highest-ever first-quarter performance, with 772,351 vehicles sold during January-March, marking a 1.6% increase from the same period last year. The strong sales of hybrid models like the EV3, Sportage, and Sorento, launched in the second half of 2024, were key contributors to the success.
Both automakers are continuing to adapt their strategies to market demands and are focusing on enhancing their product lines to remain competitive in the global automotive industry.
