Another month, another sales record for Hyundai/Kia. At this point, it’s getting tough to expect anything else. Elantra took top honors for the Korean concern last month, as Hyundai USA CEO John Krafcik confirms that sales of the new Sonata and the Santa Fe are both capacity restrained at this point. Krafcik tells Automotive News [sub] that an undisclosed US production capacity increase is in the works, as Hyundai is selling Sonata and Santa Fe faster than they can build them. Soul and Sorento are hitting their stride for Kia as well, with the Soul cresting 8k units last month and the Sorento topping 9k. But perhaps one of the best signs that Hyundai/Kia are in a good place is that only the aging Accent failed to beat its Cash-for-Clunker-driven July 2009 number. We’ll see what happens next month, but further out, Krafcik tells AN [sub] that Hyundai is targeting a 50 MPG fleet average for 2025. Even with no plans to sell pickups in the US, Hyundai’s prospects look bright in this market.
The new direct-injection Sonata is achieving mid-40s mpg on the highway, despite its much lower EPA numbers. If H/K sticks to its product mix, they should easily hit the 50 mpg fleet average by 2025.
In the last year, I’ve bought an 01 Elantra with 138k miles, and an 09 Sedona (also used). Both are high-quality, affordable, and enjoyable transportation, so count me as a Hyundai-Kia fanboy.
I think they’re pretty close to dislodging Chrysler Group from the #5 sales position.
Interesting info I have read on the Sonata.
People are saying that the acceleration seems to be pretty lack luster given the power the car has. Also that it seems to be louder than it should be. I am guessing that Hyundai seems to skimping on sound proofing in the Sonata.
Steven02, the Sonata I test drove had better acceleration than the 4 cylinder Mercury Milan and Toyota Camry SE I drove on the same roads and same afternoon. Didn’t notice big difference in road noise. Don’t think the Sonata styling will age well, but might consider the Kia Optima.
The 2011 Sonata has plenty of power. 198hp GDI and 6 speed automatic works perfectly. I don’t see the point of the turbo.
As for the noise, all GDI motors are louder than regular motors. It’s the sound of gas money being saved!
I wish there was a simple way to invest in this company. They appear to be on the winning track.
I’ve got myself about 80% of the way talked into buying a Genesis Coupe.
Hyundai group is on a tear right now. They’ve got the styling, the price and the mileage numbers to back it up too.
My coworker bought one of the first new design Equinoxes off the dealer lot at the beginning of the year and it has been an absolute piece of shite (numerous issues with electricals and brakes) and doesn’t even come close to the mileage estimates that Government Motors has been touting with their latest models.
Gone. Dumped it for a Sorento.
Another just bought a lime green Genesis to replace his SS-Cobalt that had an engine fail at 56 thousand miles. Took a bath on it ($6500.00 trade in) but he calls it a “serious upgrade”
If Hyundai keeps finding people like that, they’ll be joining the ranks of the Toyotas, Fords and Hondas of the world real soon.
Tucson sales seem very low for its segment. Was it just production constrained?
And, I know that the Genesis was created more to change brand perceptions than light up the sales chart, but is Hyundai really going to be happy moving about 2400 cars (split among two lines) a month?
The Tucson is definitely production constrained. The 2010 came out in January, and we never had a good supply. We were out of stock for 3 months before we got 3 base 2011s. Everyone wants the Limited, but there are none to be had. Lost sales everywhere.
I am surprised Elantras are selling so well considering a new model is around the corner.
The Elantra is a very popular rental car.
$2500 cash on the hood and low interest rate financing works every time!! We are still selling bunches of them. If Hyundai offered me 100 2010 Elantras, I’d take them all..
Just out of curiosity: Does anyone have the sales figures for the Soul vs. the Cube vs. the xB? I’d love to see how those three cars are stacking up against each other.
Given their shipping-crate styling, they should “stack up” very well ;-)
I’m still amazed there are Hyundai/Kia haters and ignorami out there. Hate the brand because they’re dislodging the Japanese status quo, but not because they make “crappy cars.”
I was walking through the parking lot the other day, conversing about Hyundai with one of the aforemention people, then pointed out the newest Sonata in black with tan leather. He thought I was f*cking with him…he had walked by the car every day for months, but assumed it was a new Lexus.
ash, after reading through all the responses here I don’t know if you first comment applies here. Many seem pretty positive in Hyundais success.
GarbageMotorsCo:
I wasn’t referring to this crowd, but the general public at large. Most informed commenters on auto sites know the real score…
It would be interesting to see a chart of Hyundai sales growth along side Walmart and Dollar Store sales growth. They’re all doing very well.
Except that Hyundai products don’t come from China like Walmart and the dollar stores.
Are we taking bets that Santa Fe will be produced alongside the Sorento to clear out some capacity for the Sonata?
As economy continues its inevitable decline I believe a demand and need for an el cheapo basic cargo van-type conveyance that allows the new working-poor class newly-homeless to at least have a protected place to sleep… even if the vehicle is used only as a bedroom while parked near a house/apartment whatever where a kitchen/bathroom etc. are available.
An extra-cost long-wheel base model for those without access to facilities to allow room to carry/use camping toilet and extra storage would also find a market, I believe.
No way for me to offer proof here but I remain convinced the USA mass media has and is woefully failing to convey life realities for many USA residents to the masses of USA denizens.
So many USA folks are isolated and unaware of the realities a LARGE number of their fellow citizens are facing and how those number are growing despite the propaganda declaring otherwise.
The newly homeless whatever are not buying new cars to sleep in. Seriously, your meds need adjusting.
People all over the world like value, and right now Hyundai/Kia are delivering, just like Honda did in the 1980’s and Toyota did in the 1990’s. I used to drive luxury cars (loved Infiniti’s) and can still afford one, but our next grocery getter may well be a Kia Soul and if we are smart we’ll keep it for 10 years. That is the new paradigm for a lot of people, and that is not a bad thing.
Listening to a Car Show this past Sunday evening here in Ontario Canada, one Lady called the Show to ask what she could do with her 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe which was on her third Transmission, her vehicle still in dealers Garage! The answer from the Host said that dealers don’t have the time to check out defects, but would rather replace the whole Transmission than spend the time looking for defects! Here in Canada we don’t have a Lemon Law like in many of the USA States, what a mess!