Seoul: Hyundai Motor Group, South Korea's leading automotive manufacturer, announced that its U.S. sales experienced a 13.2 percent increase in July compared to the previous year. The surge in sales was primarily driven by heightened demand for hybrid models and electric vehicles (EVs).

According to Yonhap News Agency, the combined sales for Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. in the United States last month amounted to 157,353 units. Hyundai Motor Co. reported a 14.4 percent rise in sales, reaching 86,230 units, while Kia Corp. achieved sales of 71,123 units, marking an 11.9 percent increase.

The sales of eco-friendly models saw significant growth, with a total of 40,850 units sold, representing a 42.6 percent rise from the previous year. These models constituted 26 percent of the total sales for the conglomerate. Specifically, hybrid car sales increased by 48.2 percent to 28,733 units, and EV sales grew by 30.9 percent to 12,117 units.

An industry official noted that the looming expiration of the subsidy program for EVs in the U.S. at the end of September prompted many consumers to expedite their purchases.