(May 4, 2011) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai Motor America on Tuesday announced all-time record April sales of 61,754 units, up 40 percent compared with the same record-breaking period last year. For the year, total sales are up 31 percent, with retail volume rising 40 percent. 

Sales to fleet accounts are down 45 percent for the year with fleet representing 13 percent of the total sales mix year-to-date and 11 percent for April. Thirty-four percent of Hyundai vehicles sold in April achieved 40 MPG fuel economy ratings.

“April was another outstanding month for Hyundai,” said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai executive vice president of national sales. “Our unwavering commitment as the industry leader in fuel efficiency with four vehicles achieving 40 mpg standard this year has helped overcome escalating fuel prices and drive our continued growth.

“Further, we believe our innovative Assurance Trade-In Value Guarantee program will take the uncertainty out of future resale values and bolster consumer confidence in our brand.”

Elantra sales up 129 percent

April’s strong performance was led by the hot-selling Elantra that registered 22,100 units sold, up 129 percent from a year ago. Its Alabama sibling, Sonata, saw sales climb 17 percent over April last year resulting in a combined 71 percent of total Hyundai volume. This marked the first time Hyundai sold more than 20,000 units in the same month of two different models.

Genesis’ sustained growth trajectory continued with a 17 percent sales increase over last year, representing the 22nd consecutive month of year-over-year sales increases for Hyundai’s first premium products.

Hyundai’s flagship Equus continues to show well and has now exceeded 1,000 total sales since its December launch, continuing to out-perform its five percent retail share objective.