(February 21, 2010) Hyundai Motor Co. plans to ramp up production at its Ulsan, South Korea, factory to meet rising demand for its all-new Tucson crossover, U.S. chief John Krafcik told Automotive News,

In December, Hyundai introduced a new-generation Tucson with a sportier body design and drivetrain in an attempt to appeal to singles and young couples, Krafcik, who is CEO of Hyundai Motor America, said an interview at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention.

Hyundai's U.S. retailers saw a 128 percent year-over-year improvement in January.

“We're going to see a huge jump this year,” Krafcik said without disclosing projections. U.S. demand for the Tucson fell from 52,000 in 2006 to just over 15,000 last year.

With dealer inventory low, Hyundai plans to step up Tucson production in March, he said. “We'll ramp it up as long as necessary to satisfy market demand,” Krafcik said.