Kia Global Sales Rise 2.7 Percent in May While Hyundai Declines 7.7 Percent

Kia Corp. sold 277,715 vehicles globally in May, a 2.7 percent increase from the same month a year earlier. The company said demand for its Sportage compact SUVs drove the gain, with 52,293 units sold. Seltos SUVs followed with 29,208 units and Sorento SUVs with 21,488 units.

Domestic sales in South Korea totaled 44,713 units, down 0.6 percent. Overseas sales rose 3.4 percent to 232,781 units. Kia attributed the overseas growth to strong demand for hybrid SUVs in the United States and commercial electric vehicles in Europe.

Co. sold 325,473 vehicles worldwide in May, down 7.7 percent from a year earlier. Overseas sales fell 4.6 percent to 280,109 units. Domestic sales dropped 23.1 percent to 45,364 units. The company linked the decline to production disruptions caused by parts supply shortages at suppliers.

said sales are expected to recover gradually after the launch of the facelifted New Grandeur sedan in its home market. >"Kia said strong demand for its hybrid SUV lineup in the United States and its commercial electric vehicle lineup in Europe helped drive vehicle sales." — Yonhap, June 1, 2026