(March 1, 2012) COSTA MESA, Calif.— Hyundai today announced all-time record February sales of 51,151 units, up 18 percent versus 2011. "February business was surprisingly strong for Hyundai," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America's executive vice president, national sales. 

"Although we continue to deal with tight vehicle supply across the country, our core vehicles — Sonata, Elantra and Accent — all saw healthy double digit sales increases for the month. 

Additionally, combined sales of our premium Genesis/Equus models were up five percent over last year, setting all-time records in premium segment retail market share."

Overall retail sales through dealerships rose 29 percent from last February. Sonata, Elantra and Accent total sales increases were 11 percent, 12 percent and 29 percent, respectively.  Fleet mix remains low at eight percent as the focus remains on retail customers.

"Our marketing investments in the Super Bowl and Academy Awards have once again delivered strong consumer demand across our lineup," said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America's president and CEO. "Even in the face of strong new competitors, Sonata and Elantra led the mid-size and compact segments in shopping interest at mid-month, according to data from Compete."