Hyundai Enters Q4 with Continued Double-Digit Growth

NINE STRAIGHT RECORD-BREAKING MONTHS

MARKHAM, ON, Nov. 2 /CNW/ - Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. kicked off the final quarter of 2009 by maintaining its sales momentum of double-digit year-over-year increases. With 8,415 units sold, October 2009 was the company's best October on record, surpassing the same month last year by an astonishing 43 per cent. With this accomplishment, Hyundai has recorded ten straight months of double-digit sales increases and nine straight record-breaking months. The company has already surpassed its best year ever, recorded in 2008, with its September year-to-date results.

"We said our strong sales results weren't just a fad, and ten consecutive months of significant sales increases certainly prove that," said Steve Kelleher , president and CEO, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "This demonstrates that there is a shift in mindset going on in the market place. Not just about Hyundai, but about purchasing habits in general. People are truly being smarter with their money. We've been saying that all year. Today, consumers aren't as hung up about the brand they're buying; they're more concerned about making their purchasing dollar go further. And at Hyundai, we offer a lot of bang for the buck - quality, power, fuel economy and great looking vehicles at a cost that represents smart, responsible spending."

The Santa Fe achieved another best month on record, its tenth straight month of best-ever sales. And the future is bright for this model as the 2010 version adds a refreshed look and significant technical changes sure to please Canadian consumers: a four-cylinder engine and a six-speed transmission, features that will positively impact the popular SUV's fuel economy.

The Elantra is also doing particularly well in 2009, securing its best October as well, its eighth best month of the year.

Ranked globally as the fourth largest automaker, Hyundai is Canada's sixth largest manufacturer by volume as of end-of-September figures. The brand as a whole is on the rise as well. J. D. Powers and Associates' 2009 Initial Quality Study(SM) ranked Hyundai as the top non-premium car company, and the brand moved up three places in Business Week/Interbrand's 2009 Best Global Brands survey, surpassing several well-known competitors such as Porsche, Lexus and Nissan.

    
    Quick Facts:
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    Month          2009        2008       % Change      Notes
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    January        4,607       3,874      + 18.9 %
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    February       6,912       5,326      + 29.8 %      Best February ever
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    March          8,818       7,029      + 25.5 %      Best March ever
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    April          10,809      9,412      + 14.8 %      Best April ever
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    May            11,204      9,508      + 17.8 %      Best month on record
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    June           10,104      8,049      + 25.5 %      Best June ever
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    July           10,488      7,611      + 37.8 %      Best July ever
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    August         10,418      7,530      + 38.4 %      Best August ever
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    September      9,282       7,095      + 30.8 %      Best September ever
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    October        8,415       5,885      + 43.0 %      Best October ever
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    Nameplate      October     October    % Change      Notes
                   2009        2008
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    Accent         1,417       1,854      - 23.6 %
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    Elantra        1,973       686        + 187.6 %     Best October ever
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    Elantra
     Touring       750         -          N/A
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    Sonata         607         930        - 34.7 %
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    Azera          4           31         - 87.1 %
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    Genesis        97          65         + 49.2 %
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    Genesis Coupe  192         -          N/A
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    Tucson         790         633        + 24.8 %
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    Santa Fe       2,438       1,199      + 103.3 %     Best October ever
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    Veracruz       146         124        + 17.7 %
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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 180 dealerships nationwide.

For further information: For interviews or additional information, please contact: Barb Pitblado, Manager, Public Relations, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., Office: [phone], Cell: [phone], Email: [email protected], www.hyundainews.ca