Hyundai Sets New Sales Record

by Chris Scott on October 12, 2011

in Product News,The Irwin Zone

It’s a good time to be a Hyundai dealer.  Hyundai Motor America anounced that it set an all-time September sales record with a 12% increase in sales!  Interestingly enough, 37% of the Hyundai vehicles sold have fuel economy ratings of at least 40 mpg, including the all-new 2012 Hyundai Veloster.  Hyundai now has four vehicles which deliver at least 40 mpg: the Accent, Elantra, Veloster, and Sonata Hybrid. 

Delivering more models with exceptional fuel economy is an important aspect of Hyundai’s marketing strategy: providing economy car levels of fuel economy in very different models, all of which have upscale performance and amenities.  The most recent addition to the 40 mpg club, the Veloster, has a sporty ride and aggressive looks, making it perfect for anyone looking for a smaller car that still has plenty of get-up-and-go, best-in-class interior space, and a boatload of style!

Hyundai’s blockbuster success lately is driven by three factors: attractive product, excellent fuel economy, and reasonable pricing.  As Hyundai Motor America’s CEO, John Krafcik, explains, “The best way to reduce America’s fuel consumption is to put more fuel-efficient vehicles in American driveways, right now… The best way to do that is to mass produce the most efficient technologies, like direct-injected engines and 6-speed transmissions, and deploy them as standard equipment, not expensive options.” Although he did not mention competitors by name, it is clear that Mr. Krafcik believes that improving existing technology and reducing cost through economies of scale is a more effective way to reduce fuel consumption than convincing consumers to pony up $41,000 for a Chevrolet Volt or $34,000 for a Nissan Leaf.  Judging by Hyundai’s 12% increase in sales last month, it seems that the American consumer agrees.

Other heavy-hitters in terms of new Hyundai sales in September are its SUVs, the Santa Fe and Tucson.  2011 sales of the Tucson are up 36% over 2010, while the Santa Fe has seen a whopping 67% increase in sales compared to 2010.  Even Hyundai’s luxury car, the Equus, has won critical acclaim.  The Hyundai Equus is the highest-ranked premium luxury car in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study. J.D. Power named the Equus the highest-performing car in the industry, and with an APEAL score of 904, it is the only car to score higher than 900.

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