Korean Cars Fill San Francisco Roads as Hyundai·Kia Aim for US Top 3
Creatrip Team
24 days ago
San Francisco streets and roads near the Golden Gate Bridge were notable for a rising presence of sleek Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles. Once known in the US as budget cars, Korean brands now appear stylish and popular among young local drivers. Hyundai·Kia sold about 1.84 million vehicles in the US last year, posting a record market share (11.3%) and a strong start to 2026 (11.8% through April). The gap with No.3 Ford has narrowed sharply, and industry watchers expect Korean brands to reach the mid-12% range and challenge for a top‑3 US market position. Much of the growth comes from SUVs and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), with Hyundai reporting HEV share rising to 26.2% of US sales in Q2. Hyundai plans 10+ new hybrid models in North America by 2030 and to boost local production through HMGMA (Hyundai Motor Group Meta Plant America). Genesis will add its first hybrid models (e.g., GV80 Hybrid) and launch extended-range EV (EREV) variants like a Santa Fe EREV. Kia is doubling its HEV lineup and expanding SUV and pickup production, including local manufacture of Sportage and Telluride, to pursue sales and share targets in the US by 2030. (Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco’s famous suspension bridge)
