2011 Best Year Ever for Hyundai Canada

Three new models, three AJAC awards contribute to 36 months of consecutive sales growth

MARKHAM, ON, Jan. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. announced today that it sold 129,240 vehicles in the 2011 calendar year - a 9.1% increase over the same period in 2010 - and marking the best year in company history. The 2011 sales result caps an impressive year where the company introduced three significant new models onto the market, won three major Canadian awards from industry experts, became Canada's best-selling passenger car brand, and rose to the number five spot in overall vehicle sales in the country.

A total of 6,490 vehicles were sold in December, representing a 6.3% increase over the same month in 2010. The December result also represents the 36th consecutive month of year-over-year sales growth and the best-ever December in company history.

"Canadian consumers went looking for stylish, high-quality vehicles that deliver incredible fuel economy and value for their hard-earned dollar. What they found was a strong line-up of Hyundai vehicles that delivered," said Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

Indeed, the Hyundai brand achieved two significant sales milestones. Hyundai became the best-selling passenger car brand in Canada with total sales of 89,236 sedans, coupes and wagons. The company also rose to become the fifth best-selling manufacturer in Canada.

Kelleher attributed much of the company's success to the introduction of three high-profile new vehicles launched in 2011. The Accent subcompact, Elantra compact and Veloster 3-door coupe arrived at Canadian Hyundai dealers in 2011 and represented a combined 46% of the company's sales. Significantly, all three vehicles won their respective categories at the prestigious Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) annual Test Fest competition in October. The Accent, Elantra and Veloster were named by AJAC as the Best New Small Car under $21,000, Best New Small Car over $21,000, and Best New Sports/Performance Car under $50,000, respectively.

In December, Hyundai vehicles consuming less than 5.0 L/100 km represented 54.1% of total sales. The Sonata Hybrid intermediate sedan, Elantra compact sedan, Accent subcompact, and Veloster 3-door coupe consume fuel at a respective rate of just 4.6, 4.9, 4.8 and 4.9 L/100km on the highway.

Quick Facts:

Month	2011	2010	% Change	Notes
January	6,684	6,084	+ 9.9 %	Best January ever
February	8,700	8,502	+ 2.3 %	Best February ever
March	11,668	11,012	+ 6.0 %	Best March ever
April	14,267	12,495	+ 14.2 %	BEST MONTH EVER (Prev. May '10)
May	13,967	12,620	+ 10.7 %	Best May ever
June	13,435	11,501	+ 16.8 %	Best June ever
July	12,753	11,503	+ 10.9 %	Best July ever
August	11,507	11,403	+ 0.9 %	Best August ever
September	11,110	10,406	+ 6.8 %	Best September ever
October	10,242	9,138	+ 12.1 %	Best October ever
November	8,417	7,739	+ 8.8 %	Best November ever
December	6,490	6,104	+ 6.3 %	Best December ever
TOTAL	129,240	118,507	+ 9.1 %	New Annual Sales Record

Nameplate	Dec. 2011	% Change	YTD 2011	% Change	Notes
Accent	1,389	+ 71.7	22,280	- 7.2 %
Elantra	1,690	+ 11.6 %	34,683	+ 41.6 %	Best Dec. ever
Elantra Touring	285	- 37.6 %	10,287	+ 2.3 %
Veloster	406	n/a	1,902	n/a
Sonata	711	- 6.0 %	16,343	+ 17.9 %
Genesis	51	+ 34.2 %	816	+ 0.6 %
Equus	6	n/a	116	n/a
Genesis Coupe	119	+ 41.7 %	2,809	- 9.8 %	Best Dec. ever
Tucson	763	- 24.8 %	14,309	+ 10.7 %
Santa Fe	949	- 31.0 %	24,121	- 13.5 %
Veracruz	121	+ 133 %	1,525	+ 23.7 %

	Dec. 2011	YTD 2011
Vehicles that consume less than 5.0 L/100km	3,509	45,842
Mix of total sales	54.1 %	35.5 %

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 200 dealerships nationwide.

 

For interviews or additional information, please contact:

Oles Gadacz, Public Relations Director, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
Office: [phone], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]

Chad Heard, Public Relations Manager, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
Office: [phone], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]

Patrick Danielson, Public Relations Specialist, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
Office: [phone], Email: pda[email protected]