Hyundai and a few other players in the US car market increased their October 2009 sales. Each month we see more brands posting improving sales. Does this indicate the market and the whole automotive industry is on its way to recovery?

In October, Hyundai sold 31.005 new vehicles across the USA. Compared to October 2008, Hyundai’s sales increased impressive 49 percent! Last month also marked tenth month of year-over-year gains in retail market share. According to latest automotive industry reports, Hyundai gained 1.2 percent of the US’ new vehicle market share and now holds 4.3 percent share. At the same time last year, Hyundai hold “only” 3.1 percent of the US car market.

October sales were lead by Hyundai Elantra sedan and wagon with combined sales of 8,673 units. Mid-size Sonata sedan, as well as Santa Fe SUV, continue to sell strong with sales of 7,790 and 6,448 units, respectively. The sub-compact Accent and Hyundai’s flagship models, Genesis sedan and Coupe, also increased their sales to 4.581 units (an increase of 105 percent compared to October 2008) and 1850 units (+65 percent), respectively.

October sales were mainly built on afore-mentioned models, while the rest of the line-up posted slumping sales numbers compared to the same month last year. Veracruz sales dipped to 516 units, while sales of Tiburon and Entourage plummeted to 0 and 1 unit, respectively.

Dave Zuchowski, vice president of sales at Hyundai Motor America told: “We’ve done a good job of selling down our 2009 model year inventory over the last few months, with about two-thirds of Hyundai car sales in October being fresh, 2010 model year vehicles. We are also excited about the terrific new products we’ll be filling our dealerships in the coming months.”

Hyundai expects its sales to grow in the last two months of the year, as well as during next 12 months. The Korean carmaker is looking forward to launching the all-new Tucson crossover (at the end of this year) and the 2011 Sonata sedan, which is scheduled to go on sale in the US during the first quarter of 2010.

Hyundai sales:

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