Hyundai Motor and Kia recorded slight gains in their combined U.S. sales in June 2025 despite the high tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump’s trade policy.

According to Hyundai Motor Group on Wednesday, the combined U.S. sales of Hyundai and Kia in June totaled 140,374 units, up 0.9 percent from the same month in 2024. Including its luxury brand Genesis, Hyundai saw a 4.5 percent increase with 76,525 vehicles sold, extending its growth streak to nine consecutive months. Genesis alone sold 6,823 units, marking a 21.4 percent year-on-year jump.

However, Kia posted a 3.2 percent decline with 63,849 units sold and sales of eco-friendly vehicles weakened compared to 2024. Combined sales of hybrid and electric vehicles dropped 4.9 percent to 28,459 units in June, while hybrid sales rose 15.8 percent to 21,443 units, electric vehicle sales tumbled 36.9 percent to 7,191 units.

Despite the challenges, Hyundai reported record-high U.S. sales for the second quarter of 2025. It attributed the performance to aggressive marketing efforts without raising prices, even after the U.S. implemented a 25 percent auto tariff in April.

Combined second-quarter 2025 sales for the two automakers came in at 473,240 units, up 7.9 percent from a year earlier. Hyundai’s sales rose 10.3 percent, and Kia’s increased 5.2 percent. In comparison, GM, Toyota, and Ford reported gains of 7.3 percent, 7.2 percent, and 14.4 percent respectively.

Industry analysts suggest Hyundai may have to raise vehicle prices in the United States from July 2025 onwards due to the mounting cost burden from tariffs. Toyota has already announced it will increase prices this month.

An industry insider said that “Hyundai incurred several hundred billion won in additional costs in May alone,” underscoring concerns that maintaining current prices may no longer be sustainable.

[ⓒ 매일경제 & mk.co.kr, 무단 전재, 재배포 및 AI학습 이용 금지]