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.
