Hyundai hits 10 million sales mark in U. S.

Almost 30 years after setting up shop in America, Hyundai sold its 10-millionth vehicle here this week. It began sales in 1986 with the subcompact Excel which became an immediate hit thanks to its affordability. While it set a first-year sales record of 168,882 units, quality control issues dinged its reputation. However, things were looking better by 1989 when the Sonata debuted in the lineup and remained a staple ever since. 

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The launch of the fourth generation Sonata in 1998 was accompanied by the introduction of the precedent-setting Hyundai Assurance program. Dubbed by Hyundai as "America's Best Warranty," it provides 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper coverage, a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance, factors that set new benchmarks for the industry and played a pivotal role in helping accelerate the firm's overall sales growth. In 2005, Hyundai opened its first U.S. assembly facility in Montgomery, Alabama, and began turning out Sonatas for this market. The firm subsequently launched its premium Genesis line here in 2009 and two years later celebrated 25 years in America by introducing the sporty Veloster. 

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"This special milestone of hitting 10 million sales in the United States exemplifies that Hyundai is part of the American fabric," noted Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "Our plant in Alabama provides jobs to nearly 3,000 Alabama residents and contributes approximately $4 billion to the state's economy each year. Also, about 56 percent of the cars Hyundai sells in the United States are made here."