SEOUL - Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Corp. announced on Friday that their combined vehicle sales in Europe rose by 3.5 percent during the first nine months of this year. The increase is attributed to a surge in sales of SUVs and electric vehicles (EVs) in the region.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association shows that the two companies sold a total of 850,965 vehicle units in Europe between January and September. This marks a 3.5 percent increase from the same period last year. Hyundai models experienced a 1.8 percent increase in sales, while Kia saw a more robust 5.1 percent climb.
Despite the rise in sales, the European market share of Hyundai and Kia combined fell by 1.1 percent compared to last year, the companies reported.
During the period, Hyundai sold 100,379 Tucson models and Kia sold 119,141 Sportage units. Additionally, the companies reported a 3.9 percent increase in electric vehicle sales, with Kia's Niro EV and EV6 models selling 30,168 and 29,026 units, respectively.