Hyundai Sonata Sales Crack 200,000 for First-Time Ever

Time was not that long ago that Hyundai was happy to exceed 400,000 in sales for all of its vehicles and now it has broken 200,000 in sales with the still new 2011 Sonata that has been on sale for slightly more than a year.

In 2008, Hyundai sales had dipped from 460,000 down to 401,000 for its lowest sales totals since 2003. Since then, Hyundai has not looked back with its resurgence largely being driven by the Sonata, which cracked 200,000 in sales as November.

Of course, it helps that the entire Hyundai vehicle line up has been doing well in sales. For November, Hyundai announced sales of 49,610 vehicles in November, a 22 percent total sales increase and 24 percent retail sales increase compared with the same record-setting period a year ago.

Hyundai sales were down 2800 from October or about 5.6 percent, which went against the industry average of 2.8 percent. However, Chrysler was down 7.2 percent and Nissan, which continues to be Hyundai's closest competitor, was down 6.6 percent compared to October.

Year to date, Hyundai sales are up 21 percent versus 2010 in total, with sales to retail customers up 30 percent. Sales to fleet accounts represent 11 percent of the total sales year-to-date and 10 percent for the month of November. Thirty-six percent of Hyundai vehicles sold in November achieved 40 MPG fuel economy ratings.

Year to date, Hyundai sales are up 21 percent versus 2010 in total, with sales to retail customers up 30 percent. Sales to fleet accounts represent 11 percent of the total sales year-to-date and 10 percent for the month of November. Thirty-six percent of Hyundai vehicles sold in November achieved 40 MPG fuel economy ratings.

As of November 30, Hyundai has almost 595,000 in vehicle sales for 2011. Last year in December it sold 44,000 vehicles. Assuming no growth in sales (and that is highly unlikely), Hyundai should hit 640,000 in sales. Of course, it has already shattered its previous sales record – set last year – of 538,000 vehicles. It looks like it will break that record by 20 percent assuming no growth for December. It's more likely the final sales number will be closer to 650,000.

There is something to watch, though, in the Hyundai lineup: two of its vehicles account for almost two-thirds of its sales year-to-date. The Sonata is on top at 208,000 and the Elantra is second at 173,000. Its next most popular vehicle, the Santa Fe, is a distant third at 69,000. Hyundai will need to work to keep the Sonata and Elantra fresh and relevant to maintain consumer demand.