Hyundai, Kia's U.S. sales up 5 pct in July on robust hybrid demand

SEOUL, Aug. 3 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor Group said Monday its U.S. sales rose 5 percent from a year earlier in July, driven by robust demand for hybrid and sport utility vehicles.

Hyundai Motor America sold 89,427 vehicles in the U.S. market last month, including 6,947 luxury Genesis models, up 3.7 percent from a year earlier.

The Tucson was Hyundai's bestselling model with 19,714 units, followed by the Elantra with 17,115 units and the Santa Fe with 13,373 units.

Kia America posted even stronger growth, with sales rising a solid 6.7 percent on-year to 75,857 vehicles in July.

The Sportage remained Kia's top seller with 16,083 units, followed by the K4 with 12,094 units and the Telluride with 11,816 units.

Combined sales of eco-friendly vehicles by Hyundai Motor and Kia jumped 24.7 percent on-year to 50,937 units in July, accounting for 30.8 percent of their total U.S. sales.

ejkim@yna.co.kr
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