Cars

Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia Achieve Stellar August Sales with Strong EV Growth

In a dynamic automotive market characterized by escalating vehicle prices and tightening consumer budgets, the Hyundai Motor Group, encompassing Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia, has defied expectations by achieving remarkable sales figures in August. This robust performance is largely attributed to the sustained demand for crossovers and SUVs, coupled with an extraordinary surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption across all three brands. The consistent growth positions the group for a potentially record-setting year, showcasing their ability to navigate market challenges and capture consumer interest with diverse and competitive offerings.

Hyundai Motor Group Records Impressive August Sales Performance

In August 2025, the Hyundai Motor Group celebrated a period of significant growth, with its brands Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia, collectively achieving stellar sales results. Hyundai North America's President and CEO, Randy Parker, reported an exceptional month for the main brand, highlighting retail and overall sales that surpassed all previous August records. Hyundai itself saw an impressive 12% increase in sales compared to the previous year, moving over 88,000 units. This surge was significantly driven by its popular crossover and SUV models, including the Santa Fe, Palisade, and the groundbreaking Ioniq 5 electric vehicle.

While the 2025 Hyundai Tucson, with its refreshed design and enhanced infotainment, remained Hyundai's best-selling model at over 17,900 units, its year-over-year sales saw a 19% dip. Conversely, the Palisade, capable of seating up to eight passengers, enjoyed a substantial 39% increase in sales, while the more budget-friendly Elantra saw a 6% rise. The Santa Fe also contributed strongly with a 26% sales boost, selling 12,840 units.

The electric vehicle segment was a standout performer for Hyundai. The Ioniq 5 recorded an impressive 61% year-over-year sales increase, with more than 7,700 units sold in August, pushing its year-to-date sales up by 65%. The redesigned 2026 Ioniq 6 sedan also experienced a healthy 30% increase, and the newly launched 2026 Ioniq 9 electric SUV quickly gained traction, selling over 1,000 units in its debut month. Despite the overwhelming success, the Nexo FCEV, Hyundai's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, only sold two units this year, down from 87 in the previous year, primarily due to its limited availability in California's nascent hydrogen infrastructure.

Genesis, Hyundai's luxury arm, also celebrated a record-breaking August. According to Tedro Mengiste, COO of Genesis Motor North America, the brand sold 7,925 vehicles, marking a 7% year-over-year increase. The 2026 GV70 led these sales with 3,210 units. Not to be outdone, Kia, another sister brand, achieved its best sales month ever in August 2025, selling over 83,000 models—a 10.4% increase. The Sportage crossover was Kia's top seller, with over 18,000 units, contributing to a year-to-date total nearing 120,000. Steady growth was also observed for the Kia Telluride SUV, Carnival minivan, and the all-electric EV9 SUV.

The impressive August sales across Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia underline a strategic success driven by competitive pricing, comprehensive standard features, and robust powertrain warranties. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, particularly with the increasing emphasis on electrification, the Hyundai Motor Group's performance offers a compelling case study in adaptability and market leadership. It will be fascinating to observe how these brands sustain their upward trajectory amidst ongoing market shifts and rising consumer expectations.

A 2026 Toyota Supra Final Edition Meets Its Untimely End in a Rollover and Fire Incident

A 2026 Toyota Supra Final Edition, one of the last of its generation, has met an unfortunate and dramatic end. The vehicle was involved in a severe rollover accident, which subsequently led to an engine fire, completely destroying the car. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by powerful sports cars and the potential for devastating consequences when control is lost. The extensively damaged Supra is now slated for auction, offering a grim opportunity for those interested in salvageable parts or a heavily discounted, albeit ruined, collector's item.

Details of the Damaged 2026 Toyota Supra Final Edition Revealed

On September 14, 2025, a newly released 2026 Toyota Supra Final Edition suffered extensive damage following a significant incident. According to a representative from IAA, the vehicle was involved in a collision that resulted in a complete rollover. This catastrophic event led to the Supra being declared a total loss. Compounding the damage, an engine fire occurred on the intake side, leading to significant “engine burn,” as noted in the auction listing. The rear passenger wheel exhibits an unusual stance, indicating probable severe damage to the suspension and subframe components.

This particular Supra was part of the special Final Edition series, which marked the conclusion of the fifth-generation model. These editions featured distinctive elements such as unique wheels and optional decals. Other enhancements included a carbon-fiber ducktail spoiler, upgraded tire spats, and flaps on the wheel arches. Although the crashed example did not include the optional GT4 appearance pack, which offered additional graphics, red mirror caps, a painted rear spoiler, and a black Supra badge, it still benefited from performance upgrades. These included software adjustments to the rear differential for improved traction and reduced understeer, revised camber angles, stronger rubber bushings, an upgraded front roll bar, retuned dampers, a new underbody brace, and enhanced Brembo brakes. With a starting price of $69,085, these modifications aimed to provide superior handling. Despite these advanced features, they were ultimately insufficient to prevent the vehicle's demise. The vehicle is expected to be available for auction shortly through IAA, though a specific date has not yet been announced.

The unfortunate demise of this Toyota Supra Final Edition underscores the dual nature of high-performance vehicles: exhilarating power coupled with inherent risks. It serves as a potent reminder for enthusiasts and drivers alike to respect the capabilities of such machines and to prioritize safety. Furthermore, it highlights the transient nature of even the most coveted automotive masterpieces, as a single moment can transform a symbol of engineering prowess into a tragic loss. For collectors and salvage experts, this incident presents a unique, albeit somber, opportunity to acquire what remains of a limited-edition vehicle.

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Hyundai's 2026 Sonata Hybrid: A Comprehensive Look at its September Lease Offer

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid continues to impress, defying earlier predictions of its discontinuation. This updated version of the Sonata Hybrid boasts striking aesthetics that mirror its gasoline counterpart, yet offers significantly improved fuel efficiency, achieving an additional 13 miles per gallon on highways. The vehicle is celebrated for its bold design within its class, featuring a recent facelift that introduces sleeker full-width daytime running lights, refreshed bumpers, and updated taillights, culminating in a more refined appearance.

Beyond its visual appeal, the hybrid model delivers substantial efficiency. Every Sonata Hybrid is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, generating a total of 192 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. Its driving experience is further enhanced by a genuine 6-speed automatic transmission, a welcome alternative to a CVT, providing authentic gear shifts. The EPA estimates an impressive 44 mpg in the city, 51 on the highway, and 47 combined, highlighting the Sonata Hybrid's frugal fuel consumption. The interior has also seen significant upgrades, positioning the Sonata Hybrid's cabin as one of the best in its segment. It now includes dual 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreens seamlessly integrated into a single curved dashboard display, a newly designed three-spoke steering wheel, and a gear selector relocated to the steering column from the center console. With a starting price lower than both the Camry and Accord, and an enticing September lease offer, its overall value proposition is exceptionally strong.

Hyundai's September lease program for the 2026 Sonata Blue Hybrid offers an attractive deal at $319 per month for 36 months, with an initial payment of $3,499 at signing, excluding various fees. No security deposit is needed, but the lessee is responsible for insurance, maintenance, and repairs. A disposition fee of $400 is due at lease end, with exceptions in certain states, and a mileage cap of 10,000 miles per year is enforced. This offer is valid until September 30, 2025. The Sonata Blue Hybrid comes standard with an array of features including 16-inch alloy wheels, all-season tires, dual LED projector headlights, automatic headlights, high beam assist, and a hands-free smart trunk. The spacious interior accommodates five passengers with premium cloth upholstery, dual automatic climate control, paddle shifters, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 4.2-inch gauge cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. Safety is paramount, with features like blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic avoidance assist, parking distance warning, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian/cyclist and junction turning detection, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, and safe exit warning. Having earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating in 2025, the 2026 model is expected to uphold this high standard, making it a remarkably safe choice. The Sonata offers a total passenger volume of 104.4 cubic feet, with ample front legroom at 46.1 inches and 34.8 inches in the rear. While the rear seating is slightly more compact than its competitors, the trunk offers a generous 15.6 cubic feet of storage, surpassing both the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy, and features a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid stands out as a top contender in the family sedan market, offering an exceptional blend of efficiency, practicality, and sophisticated styling. Its recent design enhancements, coupled with advanced in-car technology and a comprehensive suite of safety features, elevate its appeal significantly. The current September lease special further solidifies its position as a highly desirable option for those seeking a stylish yet economical vehicle. Prospective lessees are advised to thoroughly review all terms and conditions, including upfront costs and fees, to ensure a well-informed decision.

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