Seoul: Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Corp. announced on Thursday that their combined sales in the United States soared by 10.9 percent compared to the previous year, reaching a record monthly high in August. This surge was driven by strong demand for sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and eco-friendly models.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the two leading South Korean automakers sold a total of 179,455 vehicles in the U.S. last month, marking their highest-ever monthly sales in the country. Hyundai, including its luxury Genesis brand, sold 96,448 units, an increase of 11.3 percent from a year ago, while Kia reported sales of 83,007 units, up 10.4 percent.

Hyundai's sales performance was significantly boosted by the Palisade SUV, which saw a 38.8 percent year-on-year increase to 15,560 units, and the Ioniq 5 electric vehicle (EV), which jumped 60.7 percent to 7,773 units. Both models achieved new monthly sales records. Meanwhile, Kia's growth was supported by the Sportage SUV, with sales rising 19.2 percent to 18,023 units, and the EV9, which recorded its best monthly sales of 2,679 units.

Sales of eco-friendly models also saw considerable expansion, with Hyundai and Kia's combined sales of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EVs surging 51.8 percent year-on-year to 49,996 units, setting a new monthly record. These models accounted for 27.9 percent of the automakers' overall U.S. sales last month.

"August was an exceptional month for us, with retail and total sales pacing well above our previous best August results," said Randy Parker, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Hyundai Motor North America.