South Korea’s leading automakers Hyundai Motor and Kia have announced a combined global sales target of 7.51 million vehicles for the current year, aiming for measured growth amid shifting demand for electric and hybrid models.
Under the plan, Hyundai is targeting sales of 4.16 million units, while Kia aims to sell 3.35 million vehicles worldwide. Of the total, the companies expect 1.27 million vehicles to be sold in South Korea and 6.23 million units in overseas markets.
The target represents a 3.2 percent increase from last year’s combined global sales of 7.27 million vehicles, signaling cautious optimism as the industry navigates slowing electric vehicle demand, trade uncertainties, and regional market differences.
In 2025, Hyundai sold 4.14 million vehicles globally, a marginal 0.1 percent decline from the previous year. Kia, however, recorded its best-ever annual performance, selling 3.14 million units, up 2 percent year-on-year.
Both automakers said the growth push will rely heavily on hybrid electric vehicles, expanded eco-friendly model lineups, and increased production at overseas manufacturing facilities to better align supply with local demand.
Despite challenges such as tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, Hyundai said it strengthened its position in key global markets, particularly North America, by broadening its range of environmentally friendly vehicles. The company added that new overseas production bases would improve supply chain flexibility and responsiveness.
Strong performance in the US market
The United States remains a critical growth engine for the group. Hyundai Motor Group — which includes Hyundai, Kia, and luxury brand Genesis — posted its strongest-ever US sales performance last year.
Combined US sales reached 1.83 million vehicles, a 7.5 percent increase year-on-year and the highest figure since the group entered the American market.
By brand, Hyundai sold 901,686 vehicles, surpassing the 900,000 mark for the first time. Kia recorded 852,155 units, up 7 percent, while Genesis sales rose 9.8 percent to 82,331 vehicles.
Industry analysts attributed the gains to a strategic pivot toward hybrids and sport utility vehicles, which helped offset weaker demand for fully electric vehicles and mitigate tariff-related pressures.
Eco-friendly vehicle sales in the US climbed sharply. Hyundai and Kia sold 434,725 eco-friendly vehicles, a 25.5 percent increase from the previous year. Hybrid vehicles accounted for 331,023 units, marking a record high.
“Hyundai closed 2025 on a high note, achieving our fifth consecutive year of record retail sales,” said Randy Parker, adding that the company also delivered its best-ever December performance.
As global demand evolves, Hyundai and Kia appear focused on flexibility — balancing electrification ambitions with strong hybrid offerings to sustain growth across diverse markets.
