In a robust demonstration of the automotive industry’s recovery, U.S. light-vehicle sales recorded significant gains in May, led by major automakers Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia. These companies reported a combined sales growth of 10 percent over the previous year, with electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids playing a pivotal role in this upward trend.
Toyota Motor North America led the charge with a notable 16 percent increase in sales, reaching a total of 216,611 vehicles. This surge was supported by a 15 percent rise in Toyota brand sales and a 17 percent increase in Lexus brand sales. The growth occurred despite a recall issue in April, highlighting strong consumer demand for reliable vehicles. Notably, nearly 39 percent of Toyota’s sales were hybrids, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen-powered, or fully electric vehicles, underscoring the shifting market preferences.
American Honda also enjoyed a fruitful month, with sales climbing 6.4 percent to 127,129 vehicles. This marked the second-best sales month of the year for Honda, driven by significant demand for its crossover models. The Honda CR-V and HR-V saw sales increases of 11 percent and 47 percent, respectively, while the Civic posted a dramatic 49 percent rise in sales.
Hyundai Motor Co. reported a robust 12 percent gain in May, with a significant contribution from its Hyundai and Genesis brands. Hyundai brand alone witnessed a 12.1 percent increase, with total sales for Hyundai Motor America reaching 84,402 vehicles.
Kia America contributed to the positive trend with a 5.1 percent increase in sales, totaling 75,156 vehicles. The collective performance of Hyundai and Kia underscored the growing appetite for innovative and efficient vehicles in the U.S. market.
Other notable mentions include Mazda North America and Subaru of America, which also posted gains of 6.9 percent and 7 percent, respectively.
This surge in sales, especially in the EV and hybrid sectors, signals a robust interest in more sustainable vehicle options and sets a positive tone for industry growth in the coming months. For ongoing updates and detailed data, industry watchers recommend subscribing to specialized auto industry data services.