US: Hyundai and Kia Posts Another Record Sales in January

Kia Motors America (KMA) and Hyundai Motor America (HMA) reported an all-time record January with 36,302 vehicles sold, a 2.2-percent increase over the same period in 2012 and 43,713 units, up 2.4 percent, respectively.

In the Kia side, the U.S.-built Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV continued to lead sales for the brand with 11,252 and 8,005 units sold respectively, sustaining the company’s momentum at the beginning of a new year that will see the arrival of several all-new or significantly redesigned vehicles.

“January’s record performance comes on the heels of the historic sales milestones Kia achieved in 2012 and signals the beginning of an aggressive launch cadence that will deliver a collection of new cars and CUVs, fulfilling our promise to advance value to new levels of sophistication,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “Customers continue to flock to our showrooms in search of vehicles that represent a smart buy with world-class style, modern amenities and cutting-edge technologies.”

In the other side, Hyundai a continuation of that momentum by setting a new all-time record for January sales with 43,713 units, up 2.4 percent versus 2012. Improved availability on key volume vehicles at Hyundai dealers across the nation played a substantial role in achieving yet another all-time monthly sales record. Fleet mix was 15 percent for the month.

The same trend held true with Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle sales as 2012’s record January was immediately eclipsed this year with a best ever 5,393 CPO units, up 16.8 percent versus 2012.

“Despite some lingering economic concerns, January turned out to be a solid first month for us,” said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president, national sales. “The all-new Santa Fe Sport, recently named Best New Crossover in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine and the Elantra GT, Best New Car Under $20,000, both continue to do quite well with the Santa Fe selling 5,991, and the Elantra family totaling 12,174, up 24.4 percent and 11.7 percent, respectively, over the same period last year. We look forward to adding the all-new seven passenger Santa Fe to our line-up next month, allowing growing families an opportunity to experience the Hyundai brand.”

“We’ve got a solid foundation going into the new year,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “We’ve got a great line-up of vehicles and we’re looking forward to Super Bowl Sunday when we’ll share with upwards of 110 million viewers our all-new Santa Fe, our premium Genesis sedan and the surprising Sonata 2.0T.”