Hyundai Motor hits 15 mn vehicle sales milestone in US

South Korea’s auto giant Hyundai Motor Co.'s cumulative sales in the US surpassed 15 million units since entering the market in 1986, the company announced on Thursday.

Hyundai Motor America (HMA), Hyundai Motor's US sales arm, recently delivered its 15 millionth new car to a customer at its West Herr Hyundai dealership in Williamsville, New York.

"I can't think of a better way to conclude 2022 than by celebrating the sale of our 15 millionth Hyundai vehicle in the United States," said Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor America.

Hyundai began selling cars in the US in January 1986, with the Excel, manufactured at its Ulsan plant.

In 2005, the 20th year since its entry into the US, Hyundai opened its first US production plant, in Alabama, which helped it to accelerate its US sales.

Hyundai's cumulative sales in the US have soared — from 5 million in 2007 to 10 million in 2015 and 15 million in December 2022.

The Avante, branded as the Elantra in the US, is the best-selling model with 3.5 million units sold since its launch in 1991, followed by the Sonata with 3.1 million, the Santa Fe SUV with 1.9 million, and the Accent with 1.3 million.

Write to Han-Shin Park at phs@hankyung.com