Hyundai Tops 500,000 U.S. Sales for the First Time in Its History

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Dec. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today sold its 500,000th vehicle in the U.S. this year.  This marks an important milestone as it is the first time Hyundai has ever broken the 500,000 barrier and is the highest number of cars Hyundai has ever sold here in a single year. The company expects to sell upwards of 530,000 vehicles this year, eclipsing the previous high of 467,009 achieved in 2007.

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Hyundai's sales success can be largely attributed to hot-selling models like the all-new Hyundai Sonata.  The 2011 Sonata, introduced earlier this year, brings to market a number of breakthroughs previously unheard of in the mid-size family sedan segment including standout design, a standard gasoline direct injected engine that delivers 35 miles per gallon on the highway, an optional 274-horsepower 4-cylinder turbo and a hybrid model.  Recently named one of Car and Driver's "10 Best Cars for 2011" and an Automobile magazine "2010 Automobile All-Star," Sonata sales are up 64 percent over last year through November. 

In addition, sales for the all-new Tucson are up 145 percent for the year with Genesis up 37 percent and Elantra sales up 22 percent. The 2011 Elantra, all-new and just arriving in dealerships, is already off to a fast start. Hyundai's three top-selling vehicles -- Sonata, Santa Fe and Elantra -- are built in the United States.

"Hyundai's sales continue to climb as more consumers become aware of our great products, high quality, the industry's best warranty, and improving dealership experience," said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president, National Sales, Hyundai Motor America.  "We expect our sales momentum to continue as we head into the New Year with models like the new Elantra, the first of four planned 40-mpg Hyundai vehicles in our lineup, and our premium luxury sedan, Equus, just now starting to roll into showrooms.  Our future looks bright, largely due to our product renaissance."

This year stands to be recognized as one of the most successful years in Hyundai's U.S. history as the company increased its market share to nearly five percent.  Heading into 2011, the company's 25th year in the U.S., Hyundai is moving ahead to be the first automaker to achieve a corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) rating of at least 50 mpg by 2025 for its lineup of passenger cars and light duty trucks.

Top selling cars so far this year are:

• Sonata, 183,102
• Elantra, 120,924
• Santa Fe, 72,082

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

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 through about 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

Journalists are invited to visit our news media web site: www.hyundainews.com and follow us on twitter at twitter.com/hyundai

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America