GreenBkk Auto | Hyundai and Kia See Record Sales in October

Hyundai and Kia See Record Sales in October

Hyundai and Kia are reporting record sales for October, with figures increasing 37.6 and 38.7 percent, respectively, compared to October 2009. Hyundai raked in 42,656 sales during the month, while Kia recprded 31,199.

In the Hyundai camp, the Sonata retains its best-seller status. A total of 17,505 units were sold in October - a figure that is more than double that sold in October 2009. Hyundai says the Sonata outsold the Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet Malibu on a retail level.

Hyundai's compact sedan, the Elantra, has sold 110,519 units year-to-date, resulting in a 20.9-percent sales boost over the same period last year. Genesis sales were up 28.4 percent and Tucson sales may be skyrocketing with the new model, but the larger and older Santa Fe was down 44.2 percent. Fleet sales for Hyundai accounted for 11 percent of total sales in October.

At Kia, the 2011 Sorento continues to be the best-seller by far, though that could change with the release of the new Optima midsize sedan. As it stands, the Sorento sold nearly as many units in October as the Rio, Forte, Optima, and Sedona combined.

Among other notable Kia models, sales of the Soul almost tripled in October. Year-to-date, the popular model has sold more than twice as well as last year. The Forte compact sedan and coupe also performed well with sales up 15.4 percent.

With Kia soon to introduce the redesigned Optima and Forte five-door and Hyundai preparing the all-new Elantra and Equus, we'll be keeping a close eye on both Korean automakers.

Credit: Automobile Magazine