Hyundai Motor Group’s electrified vehicle sales in South Korea jumped 39% in the first half of 2021 compared to a year earlier as the wave of hybrid and electric vehicles swept the nation.

Similar to how slapping on BTS’ logo on some nuggets sparked some frenzy around the world, the Koreans are quickly accepting these eco-friendly models.

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According to its sales data, the Korean automotive group’s two affiliates – Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. – sold 94,435 units in the January-June 2021 period. That is a jump from 67,798 units in 2020.

The majority of sales (65,473 units) come from hybrid models while the remainder includes sales of electric vehicles (EV) and hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).

Breaking down the brands, Hyundai sold 51,085 units (Up 35.5%) in the first half of the year as the Korean ‘lambang H’ introduced a wider range of hybrid vehicles and the all-electric Ioniq 5. Hyundai sold 30,986 hybrid models, 15,683 EVs, and 4,415 FCEVs in Korea over the period.

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Meanwhile, Kia saw a 44% increase in sales of its electrified vehicles with 43,350 units sold in the same period. Out of the total sales figures, 34,487 of them are hybrid models while 8,863 units consist of EVs.

Despite selling less compared to its bigger brother, Kia managed to snag the title of Korea’s best-selling electrified vehicle with the Sorento Hybrid. The all-new Kia Sorento debuted last year and looked similar to the gargantuan Telluride. Should Kia’s new distributors plan to bring this into Malaysia?

Also read: Spied: The all-new 2021 Kia Sorento is in Malaysia, but don't get too excited yet