Hyundai sells 10 millionth vehicle in US

October 28, 2015
Hyundai and Kia have been accused of violating patents in their hybrid engine design. (PRNewsFoto/Hyundai Motor America)

Hyundai Elantra (PRNewsFoto/Hyundai Motor America)

WASHINGTON (Yonhap) — Hyundai Motor has sold its 10 millionth vehicle in the United States, the company said Wednesday, a milestone that came 29 years after the largest South Korean carmaker entered the American auto market.

Hyundai began selling cars in the U.S. in 1986, with the export of the subcompact Excel. The company has since expanded its presence in the U.S. market, led by sales of such all-time best-selling models as the Sonata mid-size sedan and the compact Elantra.

“The United States has been a key region of focus for nearly three decades, and this landmark achievement comes after years of accelerated growth and the strategic rollout of our product line,” said Derrick Hatami, vice president of national sales, Hyundai Motor America, in a release.

“The American car market continues to be on the rise, with more than 17 million new car sales expected in 2015. Hyundai is well positioned for continued growth in this market, offering consumers a variety of vehicles that meet their needs,” he said.

Of the 10 million vehicles sold in the U.S. in the past three decades, the Sonata accounted for about 24.98 percent, followed by the Elantra with 24.85 percent, the SUV Santa Fe with 12.45 percent, the Excel with 11.47 percent and the Accent with 11.03 percent, the company said.

Contributing to the sales milestone was Hyundai’s manufacturing plant in Alabama. Since its opening in 2005, the plant has built 2,660,314 units, including the Sonata, which comprises 64 percent of total production at the Alabama plant, and the Elantra with 23 percent.

“Our plant in Alabama provides jobs to nearly 3,000 Alabama residents and contributes approximately $4 billion to the state’s economy each year. Also, about 56 percent of the cars Hyundai sells in the United States are made here,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America.