Hyundai firing on all four

As the only top-ten carmaker in Australia to increase its sales YOY during August, Korean importer Hyundai has something to crow about.

August was the second month that the high-flying company ranked fourth with monthly sales totalling 5980 vehicles to give a market share of 8.2 per cent while setting an all-time record for this particular month. In August 2008 Hyundai sold 3,634 vehicles and achieved a 4.7 per cent market share.

August was also the second month that Hyundai unseated Japanese importer Mazda from its regular top-four spot -- although the latter still sits comfortably in that spot on 2009 year-to-date sales with a total figure of 50,490. Hyundai has sold 42,141 vehicles YTD August.

Two Hyundais ranked in the top ten individual sellers too: the i30 came in eighth with 2105 sales to rate as the fourth most popular small car, while the Getz, as the best selling light car, was tenth with 1868 sales. The little Hyundai is also leading its category on year to date sales with a figure of 13,541.

The company's Tucson SUV and iLoad van came second in their categories with respective sales of 1024 and 348 in August.

Meanwhile, the company has also confirmed that the the long-discussed Sonata replacement (currently dubbed YF but to be sold under the long-established Sonata name in Korea) is now open to domestic-maker orders prior to its official launch in Korea next week. Although there have plenty of sightings of test mules over the past 12 months, the slinky four-door wasn't seen properly until leaked images showing front, rear, side and dash views appeared earlier this week.

Speculation of a range of four-cylinder and V6 powerplants has been doing the rounds too, although the official statement this week only mentions a 2.0-litre Theta II petrol engine and a six-speed auto transmission combination claimed to give segment-leading fuel economy in Korea at 7.8L/100km.

Hyundai is not saying when the Sonata replacement is coming to Australia, or what spec will be offered here, but a reasonable guess would be that 2010 is on the cards and the engine choices are likely to replicate those of the current Sonata.

2010 will be a busy year for Hyundai with the ix35 Tucson replacement due to arrive in the first half of the year. It will be preceded by a Santa Fe facelift towards the end of 2009 featuring “significant” driveline changes including the addition of Hyundai's new six-speed automatic transmission and efficient new diesel engines.

As for the rear-drive Genesis coupe (pictured), there appears to be some warming of prospects as feasibility studies for right-hand drive production continue.

Hyundai brought a Genesis coupe to Australia for the Melbourne International Motor Show in February to showcase the progression of the brand. However, the Australia office is staying with the assertion that there has been no confirmation of whether it will enter the rear-drive segment in Australia -- yet.

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