07.01.2022 Press release

Hyundai Records Largest Ever UK Car Market Share in 2021

  • Hyundai delivers 4.2% car market share throughout 2021, its largest ever
  • Year-on-year sales jump by 47%, boosted by new model introductions
  • Over 12,500 EVs sold in 2021, the fourth largest number of any manufacturer

Press material

Hyundai Motor UK has achieved its highest ever yearly market share, recording 4.2% of new car sales during 2021 according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Despite challenging conditions, Hyundai Motor UK maintained a consistent supply of new cars, excellent levels of dealer support and a broad range of in-demand alternative-fuel vehicles to grow sales by 47% year-on-year.


Hyundai registered a total of 69,680 units during 2021, buoyed by enormous demand for exciting new models like TUCSON. The Hyundai TUCSON became the second most popular S2-C segment car in retail for 2021 out of a hugely competitive list of rivals, selling nearly 13,000 models throughout the year and taking 5% share of the segment.


In a year where sales of electric vehicles increased by 76% and plug-in hybrid vehicles increased by 71%, Hyundai’s range provided buyers with plenty of options, boasting a total of five plug-in hybrid or electric models, including TUCSON Plug-in Hybrid, KONA Electric and IONIQ 5. In fact, Hyundai was the third largest manufacturer for alternative-fuel vehicles in the UK during 2021.


Sales of Hyundai’s fully electric models hit more than 12,500 year-to-date, with surging demand late in the year for the newly introduced IONIQ 5, the first model built on Hyundai’s new E-GMP bespoke electric vehicle platform. IONIQ 5 has already won a number of accolades, including Auto Express Car of the Year, Best Company Car and Best Family Electric Car at the Carbuyer Awards, Best Design at the Top Gear Electric Awards and Motoring Innovation of the Year at the News UK Awards. KONA Electric also became the second most popular model in its segment by sales.


Elsewhere, Hyundai also recorded the greatest year-on-year growth in fleet sales among the top 14 manufacturers, with an increase of 56%, and the strongest year-on-year growth in segments of both the i10 and the i20.

Despite continuing market and industry challenges, we are pleased to have seen some positive signs of recovery in 2021 resulting in a record car market share for Hyundai UK. This has been driven by the strength of our new product line up which extended our alternative fuel offering even further, our ability to maintain a level of supply and the performance & support of our Dealer Network. 2022 may well bring further challenges but we believe we have the products, the people and the network to continue the trajectory.

Ashley Andrew Managing Director of Hyundai Motor UK

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