Hyundai & Kia Prove Me Right? Fall to China in Western Europe - CleanTechnica

The article from CleanTechnica highlights a significant shift in the Western European electric vehicle (EV) market, where Chinese automakers have recently outsold South Korean brands Hyundai and Kia. Despite Hyundai and Kia’s reputation for developing high-quality, efficient EVs with strong specifications, they have historically underperformed in terms of production volume and aggressive marketing, especially compared to their Chinese counterparts. Chinese companies like BYD, XPENG, Zeekr, and Leapmotor have rapidly increased production, reduced costs, and expanded sales, enabling them to surpass Hyundai and Kia in Western Europe, including the UK, as of September. The author expresses surprise at this development, noting that while Hyundai and Kia have a stronger presence in the US market, their lower commitment to scaling EV sales in Europe has allowed Chinese brands to gain a foothold. The article suggests that if Hyundai and Kia had matched the sales efforts and volume focus of Chinese manufacturers, they might have maintained their lead. Overall, the piece underscores the growing influence of