Hyundai Motor and Kia are set to surpass 30 million cumulative vehicle sales in the United States this year, marking a key milestone for the South Korean carmakers as they expand local production to solidify their foothold in the world’s second-largest auto market.
Since entering the U.S. in 1986, Hyundai and Kia have expanded their U.S. presence, selling a combined 29.3 million vehicles as of February, the companies said on March 24. Hyundai sold a record 911,805 vehicles in the U.S. last year, while Kia hit 796,488 units—securing their spot as the fourth-largest automakers in the country behind General Motors, Toyota, and Ford.
The companies took 25 years to reach 10 million U.S. sales in 2011 but accelerated to 20 million by 2018. Now, just seven years later, they are closing in on 30 million, with top-selling models such as the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Sorento driving demand.
Hyundai and Kia have driven growth through SUVs and their premium Genesis brand, with SUVs accounting for 75% of their U.S. sales last year, totaling 1.28 million units. Genesis, bolstered by strong demand for the GV70 and GV80, topped 70,000 annual U.S. sales for the first time.
As EV competition intensifies, Hyundai and Kia are ramping up U.S. production. Hyundai opened its first U.S. plant in Alabama in 2005, followed by Kia’s Georgia facility in 2010. Later this month, Hyundai will open its $5.5 billion Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia, which will produce electric and hybrid vehicles.
“The Metaplant will allow us to respond more swiftly to shifts in the U.S. market, including growing demand for hybrids,” a Hyundai Motor Group official said. The expansion aligns with federal incentives for U.S.-built EVs, bolstering Hyundai and Kia’s competitiveness.
