Korea’s household car makers Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Corp. extended losses in April shipments as they missed two major markets – Russia and China – from war and virus-related lockdown.

According to Hyundai Motor Group on Monday, the two carmakers under Hyundai Motor Group last month sold a combined 547,326 cars at home and abroad, down 9.2 percent from a year ago.

Hyundai Motor saw its sales drop 11.6 percent on year to 308,788 units in April. Domestic sales fell 15.4 percent to 59,415 units, and overseas shipments down 10.6 percent to 249,373 units.

On the home front, the Grandeur sedan sold 5,192 units, Sonata 4,165 units, and Avante 6,382 units. Among the recreational vehicles, the Palisade SUV sold the largest 4,461 units, followed by the Tucson with 4,175 units, Casper 3,420 units and Ioniq 5 2,963 units.

Luxury marque Genesis sold 11,290 units – G80 4,023 units, GV80 1,753 units, and GV70 2,100 units.

Kia delivered a total of 238,538 units last month, down 5.8 percent on year. Sales at home lost 2.0 percent to 50,095 units, and shipments outside Korea also were down 6.8 percent to 188,443 units.

The Sportage SUV became the best-selling model after delivering 36,994 units, followed by the Seltos with 26,671 units and K3 with 18,494 units.

On top of ongoing chip shortage, the two carmakers suffered from disrupted shipments to China and Russia due to lockdowns in Shanghai and other major cities and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Hyundai Motor and Kia have suspended car production in Russia, where car demand plummeted due to the war, since March 1.

In Russia, Hyundai Motor sold 8,000 units last month and Kia 7,000 units, down 58 percent and 67 percent on year, respectively. Hyundai Motor and Kia’s shipments in China also tumbled 68 percent on year to 10,000 cars and 58 percent to 4,000 units, respectively.

Hyundai Motor and Kia remained strong in America, Europe and India despite growing uncertainties from chip shortages and the geopolitical risks. Hyundai Motor’s U.S. sales stayed at 78,000 units, and European sales were up 8 percent to 46,000 units. Kia also saw a sales increase in India and Central and South America.

“Amidst rising uncertainties from production disruption due to chip shortages and still ongoing virus spread, the company will keep up efforts to minimize the effect of delayed supply through production adjustment,” said an official from Hyundai Motor.

Hyundai Motor shares fell 2.14 percent to end at 183,000 won in Seoul trading on Tuesday, and Kia down 1.07 percent at 83,500 won.

By Won Ho-sup and Lee Ha-yeon

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