A 30 Percent Hybrid Surge: How Hyundai Anticipated The Failure Of America’s Charging Grid

Hyundai Motor Group has navigated growing protectionism in the U.S. auto market while delivering strong gains in sales performance and brand credibility, driven largely by its eco-friendly vehicle strategy with a particular emphasis on hybrids.

In 2025, Hyundai and Kia set a new U.S. sales record with a combined 1,836,172 units, a milestone reflecting rising consumer trust and successful product diversification despite challenges such as EV subsidy discrimination and tariff pressures.

The group strengthened competitiveness through a localization strategy that expanded U.S. production, reinforced distribution networks, and improved after-sales service, while eco-friendly vehicles accounted for 23.7 percent of total sales and hybrid volumes surged nearly 30 percent year over year.

Analysts note that limited EV charging infrastructure has pushed U.S. consumers toward hybrids, a shift Hyundai Motor Group anticipated by broadening its hybrid lineup, a strategy highlighted by J.D. Power as a key advantage.

Strong demand for SUVs including the Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sportage, and Kia Telluride further supported U.S. growth, and industry observers expect continued lineup diversification in 2026 with new pickup trucks, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles as Hyundai Motor Group seeks to maintain its position as the world’s fourth-largest automaker by global sales volume.