Hyundai just announced its best January sales ever in the US, but a closer look at the electric vehicle (EV) corner of the showroom reveals a different story. While one electric model performed relatively well, another struggled to find buyers. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 saw a slight dip in sales compared to last year's numbers, moving 2,126 units.
In contrast, its sibling, the Ioniq 6, plummeted 61 percent to just 344 units. This drastic drop suggests that the sedan is having trouble finding traction with potential buyers. On the other hand, SUVs proved to be a success story for Hyundai, with models like the Palisade and Santa Fe seeing significant increases in sales.
The brand's hybrid offerings also saw a surge in popularity, with petrol-electric sales jumping 60 percent. This shift towards electrification seems to be hitting the sweet spot between fuel savings and reduced charging anxiety. However, not all models fared well, including the Sonata, which slid 34 percent, and the Santa Cruz, which dropped 32 percent.
Despite this, Hyundai's overall sales are up 2 percent, with SUVs making up a significant portion of the total. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Hyundai addresses the struggles of its EV lineup and what changes they make to turn things around. The company's momentum in January suggests that they have a solid foundation to build on, but the road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging.