Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. defied recent industry trends by setting a sales record for May, 2009. With over 11,200 units sold, May marks the company's best month on record and represents a 17.8 per cent increase in sales compared to the same period last year.
In a market that has been consistently down in recent months, the South Korean automaker again bucked the trend of double-digit decreases, as it has throughout the first half of 2009. First quarter results placed the company in sixth position in Canada ahead of both Nissan and Mazda, and only a handful of units behind Honda. April 2009 had been the company's best month ever with over 10,800 units sold until May sales were finalized and defeated the recent record by nearly 400 units.
"We have always been recognized for value," said John Vernile, vice president, sales and marketing, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "As we continue to rack up quality awards and introduce game-changing new products, both industry experts and consumers are recognizing Hyundai for our great vehicles and their solid quality. Layer onto that our Smart Advantage program, and it's clear that we make great value and high quality even more accessible. And in today's economy, that is a smart offering."
Hyundai credits its success to a unique consumer marketing program and to the recognition its vehicles have been receiving for quality and safety - for both new and existing models. The Hyundai Smart Advantage program offers lower selling prices combinable with finance and lease rates as low as zero per cent.
As sales continue to climb, so does the list of awards and accolades. The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is both Canadian and North American Car of the Year, its V8 engine is on Ward's Auto World's "10 Best Engines" list, and it received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. And that's only one Hyundai model.
The 2009 Santa Fe, Entourage and Veracruz are rated Top Safety Picks by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; the 2009 Sonata received an coENERGY 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).
"There are more smart reasons than ever to purchase a Hyundai," continued Vernile. "We have a vehicle to suit any consumer's needs - from entry level to luxury to sports performance. And our sales results are proving that."
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.
