Hyundai VEHICLE 2013 Owner's Handbook Manual page 9

SECTION 2
In February 1986, Hyundai launched its subcompact Excel
model in the U.S. market. Customer response was immediate;
in just seven months Hyundai Motor America had sold its
100,000th Excel. Total 1986 sales numbered 168,882 – an in-
dustry record for an import car distributor in its first year.
Hyundai sales averaged 1,431 units per dealer, another sales
record. In 1987 Hyundai sales continued to soar reaching a
record 263,610 units.
What makes this sales performance all the more remarkable
is that it was done with dealers located in only 31 of the 50
states. In the early years, Hyundai concentrated its sales ef-
forts primarily on the west and east coasts, as well as in the
southern states. In 1987 Hyundai expanded into the central
portion of the Unite1011d States, and today there are five re-
gions and more than 800 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.
Hyundai has sold more than 6 million vehicles in the United
States since its entry in 1986.
6
EXPANDING THE PRODUCT LINE
Sonata
Hyundai took a major step toward becoming a full-line automotive im-
porter/distributor in 1989 with the introduction of its midsize sedan, the
Sonata. This roomy, powerful, front-wheel-drive sedan expanded
Hyundai's appeal to more mature, family-oriented buyers. It also offered
Excel owners an opportunity to move up within the Hyundai product line.
The Sonata was redesigned for the 2011 model. The new Sonata has a
sophisticated design and the largest interior in its class.
Scoupe
Hyundai's third entry into the U.S. market was the sporty Scoupe, intro-
duced as a 1991 model. The 1993-1995 Scoupe featured the Alpha en-
gine – the first powerplant designed, engineered and manufactured ex-
clusively by Hyundai.
Accent
In 1995, after 9 years in the U.S. market, the Excel was replaced by the
all-new subcompact Accent. With the Accent, Hyundai offered custom-
ers high-tech sophistication and features, but still at an entry-level price.
Today's Accent is the fourth generation.
Elantra
The next member of the Hyundai family to be introduced was the com-
pact Elantra sedan, which debuted as a 1992 model. It quickly became
one of Hyundai best-selling models. The 5th generation Elantra was re-
designed in 2011 and delivers design, safety, and up to 40 MPG high-
way. The Elantra Coupe and Elantra GT were added for 2013.
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