SUV And Pickup Markets Stretch In US, Ford And Hyundai Book Profits In May

XRT Pro. (Doc. Hyundai USA)

JAKARTA The United States (US) auto market showed positive activity in May. Ford Motor Company and Hyundai Motor Company reported a significant increase in sales, driven by strong demand for SUVs and trucks. This sale is also marginally motivated by consumer concerns about potential price increases due to the tariff policy promoted by US President Donald Trump.

According to a Reuters report, Wednesday, June 4, Ford recorded an increase in overall sales to 220,959 units in May, up from 190,014 units in the same period last year. Most notably, Ford's F-Series truck series sales jumped 15 percent to 79,817 vehicles throughout the month. The Detroit automaker has previously extended the discount normally given to employees to maintain sales momentum, although on the other hand it also raised prices on its three products made in Mexico in May.

Meanwhile, Hyundai also reported an 8 percent increase in car sales year-on-year in the US, reaching 84,521 units in May. Hyundai Motor America CEO Randy Parker, revealed that demand began to rise from March and April, with a slight "hurry" of consumers looking to buy out of fear of rising prices due to potential rates.

However, Parker insists that there has been no decision to change the price of Hyundai brand vehicle stickers as a direct result of the tariff. The price protection program that Hyundai imposed in early April, which guarantees no increase in the price of stickers on new vehicles sold during that period, has ended on June 2 and is not extended.

"This period really marks our regular annual price review," Parker said. "We see market dynamics, consumer demand, regardless of rates."

The increase in sales was also supported by attractive offers and additional exchange deals for affordable pickups and crossovers, suggesting that US consumers are still seeking value and utility in purchasing their vehicles amid global economic uncertainty.