Hyundai hybrids reach record 29% share of October US sales

Hyundai's hybrid models made up a record 29% of its US sales in October, according to figures reported on Tuesday. Kia's affordable EV3 electric car also made a strong debut in the United States in the same month.

Both Hyundai and Kia posted record October sales in the US, with buyers turning to hybrid and electric vehicles. The total number of cars the two companies sold has not been disclosed.

High gas prices are the main reason buyers are changing what they drive. Hybrids use a petrol engine alongside a battery, so they burn less fuel than a conventional car. Electric cars run on battery power alone.

The sales figures point to a clear shift. Hyundai's hybrid share alone reached 29% last month, a record for the brand.

Kia's EV3 is an electric car positioned as an affordable option. Its strong start in the US market suggests buyers are willing to consider battery-powered cars when they are priced lower. The EV3's sales figures and its US price have not been disclosed.

For readers in the US, the trend means more choice among hybrids and cheaper electric models. For buyers elsewhere, it shows how fuel costs can change which cars people choose.

It is not yet known whether the trend will continue into the coming months, or whether fuel prices will fall.