Consumers are jumping on the Seoul train, with both Korean companies continuing to announce all-time record sales, thanks in part to the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, 2011 Hyundai Sonata, and the 2011 Kia Optima. Hyundai sold 59,214 units in May 2011 compared to Kia’s 48,212 vehicles sold.
Hyundai — 59,214 Units, Up 21 percent
Figures continue to climb for Hyundai, as the Elantra and Sonata top 20,000 monthly sales for the second month in a row, accounting for an all-time record May sales of 59,214 units. This month, the Sonata surpassed sales of the Elantra by 2748 units, totaling 22,754 and 20,006, respectively. The all-new Elantra has made leaps and bounds this year compared to last year’s 9,781 units sold.
The Equus full-size luxury sedan contributed 221 units in May, more than the far less expensive, soon-to-be-replaced Azera and its 161 units. The Genesis sold 2769 units, only 289 more than the numbers for May 2010.
While Hyundai sales were strong in all regions of the country, California was the hot spot, with sales up 95 percent so far in 2011 versus last year.
Kia — 48,212 Units, Up 53.4 percent
Kia’s increasing sales continue to be a trend for the company, selling 48,212 units for May 2011—up 53.4 percent from last year, with year-to-date sales up 44.8 percent compared to 2010.
Although Sorento sales were down just a pinch from last month’s numbers, the midsize crossover continues to reign supreme as the company’s best-selling vehicle for the 17th consecutive month, rolling out 11,936 for May 2011—just 65 shy from last month’s 12,001.
Demand for the funky Soul remained high in May, exceeding its previous best-ever sales total with 11,157 units sold, but not quite doubling last year’s figure of 6134. The all-new Optima, however, more than triples May 2010 sales, moving 7431 units. The Rio continues to pull in lower numbers at 2519, but the company hopes that will change with the 2012 model arriving this fall. Even the less-glamorous Sedona minivan, at 2453 units, bested May 2010 by more than 500.
