Seoul: Hyundai Motor Group, the world's third-largest automaker by sales, ranked second among global automotive groups in terms of operating profit in 2025, industry data showed Wednesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean group, which includes Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp., achieved an operating profit of 20.5 trillion won (US$13.9 billion) last year. This placed it behind Toyota Group, which reported an operating profit of 4.3 trillion yen, or 40.2 trillion won. The two Asian automotive leaders maintained their positions by effectively managing U.S. import tariffs through strategic inventory and production adjustments.

General Motors Co. (GM) followed in third place with an operating profit of $12.7 billion, approximately 18.7 trillion won. Volkswagen Group took the fourth spot with 8.9 billion euros, or roughly 15.3 trillion won in operating profit.

Hyundai Motor Group also ranked second in operating profit margin at 6.8 percent, following Toyota Group's 8.6 percent. In terms of vehicle sales, Hyundai Motor Group retained its position as the world's third-largest automaker, selling 7.27 million vehicles. Toyota Group led with 11.32 million units sold, with Volkswagen Group in second at 8.98 million. GM was fourth with 6.18 million vehicles sold.

In the U.S. market, a significant arena for global automakers, Hyundai Motor Group faced import tariffs amounting to 7.2 trillion won, compared to Toyota Group's 11.2 trillion won. The U.S. currently enforces a 15 percent tariff on vehicles imported from South Korea.