Hyundai closes in on Ford in US. Can it pull ahead?

What happened: Hyundai Motor and Kia outsold Ford in July and August, putting a potential third-place US finish for the year within reach. Key numbers: August combined sales 178,405, a record 12.9 percent monthly share. July-August 343,689 vs Ford 327,896. Q3 506,200 vs Ford 507,395. January-August share 11.8 percent vs Ford 12.2 percent. CAFE 2031 target cut from 50.4 mpg to 34.9 mpg. Why it matters: Rolled-back fuel economy rules give Ford, GM and Stellantis room to push gasoline SUVs and pickups, while Deloitte data shows US hybrid interest rising, keeping Hyundai's lineup relevant.

Hyundai Motor and Kia outsold Ford in July and August, putting a potential third-place US finish for the year within reach.

Rolled-back fuel economy rules give Ford, GM and Stellantis room to push gasoline SUVs and pickups, while Deloitte data shows US hybrid interest rising, keeping Hyundai's lineup relevant.