Hyundai soars again with 2011 North American record sales for brand, Elantra

The near-exponential growth of Hyundai has become even more impressive as the South Korean manufacturer has reached 600,000 annual sales for the first time, while its most popular style, the Elantra, has also sold in record numbers.

According to the carmaker, 261,331 Elantras have been sold in North American in 2011, compared to 151,735 in 2010 — a 43 percent increase.

Hyundai has achieved sales year-over-year gains for 35 consecutive months.

“Elantra has been an absolute phenomenon in the compact car segment,” says John Krafcik, Hyundai Motors America President and CEO. “In November, Elantra retail sales were up 37 percent, in spite of significant competition from all-new entries such as the Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus and Honda Civic.”

All 2011 Hyundai Elantra models achieve at least 40 mpg in freeways driving.

This past June, The Weekly Driver reviewed the 2011 Hyundai Elantra. Our review, in part, commented:

"There was little wrong with the previous version of the Elantra other than its staid appearance. But all the criticism of the previous styling is likely gone now with the car’s fifth edition.

"Previous editions of the Elantra were often described as frumpy. But the new design is sleek and handsomely sculptured."

Images © James Raia