[THE INVESTOR] Three models produced by South Korea’s top automaker Hyundai Motor and affiliate Kia Motors took the top three spots in terms of best-selling cars in Israel in the first half of the year, also making their manufacturers the two most preferred brands in the Middle Eastern country, the companies said on Aug. 18.

In the January-June period, Kia’s Morning compact car, sold as the Picanto in some countries, took the top spot as the best-selling car in Israel.

It was followed by the Kia Sportage sport utility vehicle and another SUV by Hyundai, the Tucson.

In terms of overall sales, Hyundai Motor took the largest market share of 14.3 percent in Israel, followed by Kia Motors with a 12.7 percent share, both far surpassing Japanese rivals Toyota and Mitsubishi.

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