Diesel vs. Hybrid

Kia Motors’ K7 Hybrid 700h.
Kia Motors’ K7 Hybrid 700h.

 

Hybrid vehicles are increasing their presence in the domestic automobile market. The hybrid models of Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors, and Japanese automakers are increasing their sales at a rapid pace amid the popularity of German diesel cars.

The Hyundai Motor Group added the Grandeur Hybrid and the K7 Hybrid 700h to its lineup late last year and early this year, respectively. The sales volume is on the rise as well. Specifically, the group sold 10,361 hybrid cars during the first four months of this year, 32.1 percent higher when compared to the same period of 2013. The monthly sales volume of the Grandeur Hybrid is at around 1,400 to 1,500, which is twice to three times those of the Sonata Hybrid and the K5 Hybrid.

The hybrid vehicles of Hyundai and Kia are enjoying increasing popularity in overseas markets, too. The Sonata Hybrid and the K5 Hybrid set new sales records in March in the U.S. Under the circumstances, the group’s share in the U.S. hybrid car market is about to reach a double digit. The market share had been just 6.2 percent and 7.2 percent in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

In the meantime, Toyota Korea is planning to further boost the sales of its seven hybrid models, two being Toyota and the others being Lexus. The combined sales volume increased 16 percent from a year ago to 1,932 units between January and April. The vehicles account for 52 percent of Toyota Korea’s total sales volume for this year. 

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