FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced September sales of 31,511 units, a 27 percent increase compared with September 2008. For the calendar year to-date, Hyundai sales are up 1.4 percent compared to last year. This also marks the ninth consecutive month of significant year-over-year gains in retail market share. Hyundai leads all automotive brands in market share growth this year.

"While consumer demand following the Cash-for-Clunkers program softened during the month of September, we are encouraged with our continued growth in retail share and overall sales through the first nine months of the year," said Dave Zuchowski, vice president of sales. "With our solid product and marketing plans going into the fourth quarter, in addition to the upcoming launch of the all-new Tucson and Sonata, we are cautiously optimistic during these challenging times."

Genesis continued its strong growth trend with sales of 1,665. The fuel-efficient Elantra had an increase of 104 percent versus 2008, while the Santa Fe delivered a significant sales gain of 50 percent leading up to the introduction of the even more fuel-efficient face lifted 2010 model.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 dealerships nationwide.

    CARLINE          SEPTEMBER/2009  SEPTEMBER/2008   CY/2009         CY/2008

    ACCENT               4,864           3,014         55,525         44,393
    SONATA               7,898           8,629         93,575         97,442
    ELANTRA              7,513           3,681         82,706         86,144
    TIBURON                 37             677          8,579          7,730
    SANTA FE             7,010           4,676         58,067         56,629
    AZERA                  339             483          2,932         13,437
    TUCSON               1,583           1,294         12,772         16,247
    ENTOURAGE               28             455          3,423          4,360
    VERACRUZ               574             827          8,704          8,427
    GENESIS              1,665           1,029         15,934          2,855
    TOTAL               31,511          24,765        342,217        337,664

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America