It wasn’t all that long ago that Hyundai was an also-ran in the United States market, producing little more than inexpensive econo-boxes. However, Hyundai has drastically changed its portfolio and image over the last few years, with the Korean automaker making tremendous headway in the eyes of consumers.
According to Kelley Blue Book, more consumers are considering the Hyundai brand than ever. During the month of February, Hyundai’s all-new Tucson crossover surged to become the site’s most-considered vehicle. In December, the Tucson ranked 83 on the list.
The all-new Sonata sedan has seen similar results, jumping from number 33 on KBB’s most-considered list to number 4 overall. A consideration is tallied when a consumer reviews trim levels, videos and reviews.
Although considerations don’t always translate into vehicle sales, they do in Hyundai ’s case. Demand for the all-new Tucson is far greater than expected, with most dealers carrying just a 20-day supply. The Tucson’s Korean plant has also upped U.S. production by 20,000 units.
“Our dealers are seeing people we’ve never seen before,” says Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America sales chief. “Our Web traffic is off the charts — higher than it was during cash for clunkers.”
Demand is so strong that Hyundai expects to sell more Tucsons by April than it did in all of 2009.
As a whole, Hyundai’s new car sales are up 17 percent this year. Hyundai’s sales increased 8 percent last year in a market that was down 21 percent.
References
1.’Hyundai’s hot…’ view
