Double-digit increases continue while industry in reverse
MARKHAM, ON, July 2 /CNW/ - June was another tremendously successful
month for Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. as the South Korean manufacturer recorded
yet another month of significant year-over-year sales increases. With 10,104
units sold, overall sales for Hyundai in June 2009 were up nearly 26% compared
to June 2008. Additionally, two of the company's models doubled their sales
volumes compared to last year. The Elantra sold over 2491 units in June,
marking a 120% increase over June 2008, and the Santa Fe more than doubled its
June 2008 sales with 2254 units sold, an increase of 104%.
Hyundai's sales climb has been a bright spot in the Canadian automotive
industry throughout 2009. While other manufacturers have recorded decreases of
over 30 and 40%, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. has been recording double digits
increases. For the first half of the year, Hyundai is up over 21% while the
industry is down a similar amount.
Factors contributing to the company's success are plentiful, ranging from
brand new products to important recognition from industry watchers and
analysts, and innovative marketing programs that make Hyundai products
accessible to all Canadians. The Hyundai Genesis - winner of both Canadian and
North American Car of the Year awards - has changed the way consumers think
about Hyundai. Add to this the introduction of the 2010 Genesis Coupe and the
Elantra Touring, and the Hyundai line-up has a product to satisfy any taste.
On the marketing side, the Hyundai Smart Advantage program has been in effect
for the majority of 2009, offering lower selling prices combinable with
finance and lease rates as low as zero per cent.
Hyundai's product quality is a major contributor to the company's upwards
sales swing. Most recently, recognition came from J.D. Power and Associates
2009 Initial Quality Study in which the Elantra ranked first in the Compact
Car segment, and Hyundai placed fourth overall. Behind only Lexus, Porsche and
Cadillac, Hyundai was the highest ranked non-luxury nameplate in the study.
The 2009 Santa Fe, Entourage and Veracruz are rated Top Safety Picks by
the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; the 2009 Sonata received an
ecoENERGY award from Natural Resources Canada; the overall brand improved its
lead over the industry average in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle
Dependability Study(SM) (VDS), and the Accent ranked top in its category in J.
D. Power and Associates 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM).
"Canadians are looking for smart purchases right now, and we have a lot
of smart options available," said John Vernile, vice president, sales and
marketing at Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "We're capitalizing on this new way of
thinking by combining our high-quality products with high-value offers. That's
how we're making our mark in the Canadian automotive landscape right now.
Quick Facts:
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Month 2009 2008 % Change Notes
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January 4,607 4,228 + 9.0%
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February 6,912 5,326 + 29.8% Best February ever
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March 8,818 7,029 + 25.5% Best March ever
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April 10,809 9,412 + 14.8% Best April ever
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May 11,204 9,508 + 17.8% Best month on record
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June 10,104 8,049 + 25.5% Best June ever
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Year-to-Date Total 52,454 43,198 + 21.4% Best 1st 6 months ever!
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Nameplate June 2009 June 2008 % Change Notes
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Elantra 2,491 1,130 + 120% April 2009 was best
Elantra month on record
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Sonata 727 732 -0.7%
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Santa Fe 2,254 1,104 + 104%
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Hyundai Auto Canada, established in 1983 and headquartered in Markham
Ontario, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles
are distributed throughout Canada by Hyundai Auto Canada and are sold and
serviced through more than 170 dealerships nationwide.
-30-
/For further information: For interviews or additional information,
please contact: Barb Pitblado, Manager, Public Relations, Hyundai Auto Canada
Corp., Office: (905) 948-6712, Cell: (416) 559-9640, Email:
bpitblado@hyundaicanada.com, www.hyundainews.ca/
HYUNDAI AUTO CANADA INC.