Hyundai, Kia Hit Record US February Sales of 137,412 Units

Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. reported record vehicle sales in the United States for February, with combined deliveries reaching 137,412 units, a 5 percent increase from the previous year. The surge, announced Wednesday, was led by strong demand for sport utility vehicles and hybrid models, even as electric vehicle sales declined overall amid the expiration of federal tax credits and new import tariffs.

Hyundai, including its Genesis luxury brand, sold 71,407 vehicles, up 5.7 percent year-over-year and marking the brand's highest February total. Kia recorded 66,005 units, a 4.3 percent gain and also a monthly record. Electrified vehicles, which include hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric models, accounted for about a third of Hyundai's sales at 22,357 units, reflecting a 56 percent jump driven by hybrid variants of the Sonata, Santa Fe, Tucson and Elantra sedans and crossovers.

Among SUVs, Hyundai's Palisade saw a 28.4 percent increase to 10,025 units, while the Santa Fe rose 18.6 percent to 11,344 units. Kia's Telluride jumped 68.7 percent to 13,198 units, and the K5 sedan climbed 60.6 percent to the same figure. These gains highlight continued consumer preference for...