Korean Media: BYD Surpasses Hyundai Motor in Sales Across Multiple Countries for the First Time!
On September 19, South Korea’s *Business Korea* reported that Chinese automaker BYD is rapidly expanding into global markets traditionally dominated by Hyundai Motor. In multiple countries worldwide, BYD’s monthly sales have now exceeded those of Hyundai, signaling a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the global automotive industry.
This year, BYD has surpassed Hyundai in sales volume in nations including Australia, Brazil, Israel, and Finland, based on monthly figures. Hyundai continues to lead in the United States, India, and much of Europe. However, as the phenomenon of "first-time monthly reversal" spreads across markets, BYD’s momentum appears increasingly difficult to contain.
The changes in Australia and Brazil are particularly pronounced. In March, BYD recorded its first monthly sales surpassing Hyundai in Australia, with 18,881 units sold in June—more than double Hyundai’s 7,480 units. In July, BYD sold 7,857 vehicles, outpacing Hyundai’s 5,991 units by 1,866. This demonstrates BYD’s growing strength in markets where Hyundai has long established distribution networks and brand recognition.
In Brazil, the largest automotive market in South America, BYD is making rapid progress. In May, it sold 21,704 units, overtaking Hyundai and ranking fourth among all brands. By July, sales rose to 23,465 units—more than 10,200 units ahead of Hyundai’s 13,265. Brazil remains a key strategic market for Hyundai, which has invested in local production facilities and a robust sales infrastructure over many years.
BYD’s expansion is also gaining traction in Europe and the Middle East. In Finland, BYD sold 113 units in July, exceeding Hyundai’s 91 units—the first time BYD has led in monthly sales in that country. At this time last year, Hyundai sold 116 units, nearly four times more than BYD’s 32 units. A single year has reversed the rankings.
In Israel, BYD sold 2,145 units in July—156 more than Hyundai’s 1,989. This marks the second instance this year of a monthly sales reversal. While Hyundai still leads in cumulative sales from January to July by 4,623 units, BYD has secured advantages in certain months. As the number of countries where BYD surpasses Hyundai grows, the pace of its global market penetration appears to be accelerating.
According to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), in June alone, five Chinese automakers—Geely, SAIC, BYD, Chery, and Leapmotor—achieved a combined new vehicle registration share of 12.1% in the EU and UK, up 4.4 percentage points from 7.7% during the same period last year—a sharp increase in market presence.
Professor Lee Ho-gon, Department of Future Automotive Engineering at Daegu University, stated: “Chinese automakers are entering markets previously occupied by Korean firms, leveraging competitive pricing and improving quality. If Korean companies fail to maintain technological leadership in future domains such as autonomous driving, their long-term competitiveness in the global automotive sector will be at serious risk.”
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1876725070201993/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of any institution.