[News Article] Hyundai Motor hits milestone of 15 million US vehicle sales
Hyundai Motor hits milestone of
15 million US vehicle sales By Lee Seung-ku, The Korea
Herald - Cumulative sales of Hyundai Motor vehicles in the United States since
the automaker began operations there 36 years ago reached 15 million on
Wednesday, according to data presented by the automaker on Thursday.
Hyundai Motor America, the
automaker’s US subsidiary, delivered on Wednesday its 15 millionth vehicle to a
customer at the West Herr Hyundai dealer in Williamsville, New York.
Hyundai Motor kicked off its US
operations in 1986 when it exported its Excel model. The Excel was Hyundai’s
first forward-driving subcompact vehicle, manufactured at the automaker’s Ulsan
plant between 1985-1994.
The automaker brought its
manufacturing capabilities to the US in 2005 when it built a factory in
Montgomery, Alabama.
On the back of supply chain
advantages from the Montgomery facility, Hyundai Motor recorded 5 million
cumulative unit sales in 2007, and passed the 10 million-mark in 2015.
Hyundai’s most-sold model in
the US was its compact car Avante, sold under the name Elantra. A total of 3.53
million units were sold as of December since it was first introduced to the US
auto market in 1991, according to the Korean automaker.
Following Avante on the list of
bestselling Hyundai cars is the company’s midsize sedan Sonata, sports utility
vehicle Santa Fe, subcompact car Accent and SUV Tucson. The models recorded
3.14 million, 1.91 million, and 1.34 million units in cumulative sales, respectively.
The automaker said it was
noteworthy that it began its US operations on the basis of midsize sedans and
compact cars, but 36 years later its SUVs were making the list of most-sold
models.
Hyundai is continuing the
diversification of its lineup in the US, with recent operations focusing on
eco-friendly and electric vehicles, the carmaker added.
"Over the past 36 years,
Hyundai has grown its product portfolio, its manufacturing footprint in America
and its market share, becoming the fifth-highest selling brand this year. We
are excited to see more growth in 2023 and beyond – particularly as we continue
to expand our electric vehicle product line and manufacturing," said
Hyundai Motor America CEO Randy Parker.
Meanwhile, Hyundai broke ground
for a new EV plant in the US state of Georgia in October.
Source: www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20221222000442
2022.12.26
>
>
