Hyundai Motor America Sets All-Time Record April

Publisher's Note: During April 2013; Prospective Hyundai buyers spent 15.9 hours doing in-depth research using the Hyundai Buyers Guide here on The Auto Channel

COSTA MESA, CA--May 1, 2013: Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 63,315 units, up two percent versus the same period in 2012.

"April is always a transitional month going into our peak selling season and we were pleased with the strength that both the industry and our award-winning lineup of vehicles exhibited," said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of national sales. "Through the first four months of this year, HMA has shattered its all-time volume mark, and with strong economic signals, improving availability and a historically strong selling season directly in front of us, we fully expect to continue this record-setting trend for the first six months of the year."

Elantra sales for the month were 24,445 units, up 45 percent over last April and up 29 percent year-to-date. The all-new award-winning Santa Fe, which is offering families a fresh alternative in this highly competitive segment, had sales of 6,940 units for the month, up 10 percent over April 2012 and 27 percent for the year.

"While we did a decent job matching production levels with strong demand for Azera, Elantra and Santa Fe, our U.S.-built Sonata inventories remain among the lowest in the segment, and we continue to work to meet demand for all variants of our fast-turning mid-size sedan," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "Our new Sonata Hybrid has been a focus model for us though, and here we've been able to support a 40 percent year-over-year sales increase with additional production and high consumer interest in our upgraded hybrid powertrain with its industry-leading Lifetime Hybrid Battery Warranty."

Genesis and Equus inventories remained extremely tight due to model year ramp up, with the freshened 2014 Equus on its way to Hyundai showrooms later this month.

Hyundai recently announced an enhancement to its Assurance suite of consumer-focused programs with its innovative connected-car solution, Assurance Connected Care. Three years of Assurance Connected Care will become standard on all Blue Link-equipped vehicles, representing most Hyundai models, beginning May 16.

Fleet mix was 16 percent for both the month and the year, among the lowest in the industry. Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales were 6,218, an April record, up 33 percent over April 2012. Low fleet mix and high CPO sales are two key ingredients driving Hyundai's strong residual value performance, among the best in the industry according to ALG.