SEOUL, May 8 (Yonhap) — Hyundai Motor Co.’s Ioniq hybrid emerged as the best-selling car in Israel in the first quarter of this year, achieving such a landmark for the first time since the start of its exports two years ago, industry sources said Tuesday.
Hyundai Motor, South Korea’s top automaker, sold 4,149 Ioniq hybrids in the Middle Eastern country in the January-March period, up a whopping 121 percent from the same period a year earlier.
Hyundai Motor’s signature eco-friendly vehicle, the Ioniq hybrid became the top seller in Israel during the three-month period.
It also marks the first time for the Ioniq hybrid to clinch the best-selling title in any foreign market since its overseas shipments started in 2016.
Market watchers said it is very unusual for a green car to become a top seller in markets outside Northern Europe, often dubbed the paradise for electric vehicles.
Hyundai’s Ioniq vehicles, which use pure electric (C), hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains (Yonhap)
The Ioniq hybrid’s stellar performance in Israel came on the back of the country’s policy to promote the EV market. Israel imposes an 83 percent purchase tax on conventional cars, while the tax rate comes to a mere 20 percent for hybrid cars.
In the first quarter, Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai’s smaller affiliate, sold 2,515 units of its Niro electric vehicle in Israel, while Toyota Motor Corp. of Japan shipped 475 Priuses.
“The brisk sales in Israel indicate that the marketability of the Ioniq, which comes in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle versions, is getting recognition in overseas market,” a Hyundai official said. “It is especially encouraging for the Ioniq to beat the Prius, which has been deemed the byword for eco-friendly vehicles.”
Bolstered by strong sales of the Ioniq and the Niro, Hyundai Motor became the top seller in Israel in the first quarter with 14,898 units, followed by Kia Motors with 11,832.
On top of the two models, Hyundai sold 3,754 Tucson small SUVs in Israel in the first quarter, while Kia shipped 3,453 Sportage SUVs and 3,065 Picanto minicars.
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