Hyundai Boosts U.S. Production of Sonata, Elantra

[Hyundai NEWS]

To help meet ongoing record demand for two of its top vehicles—the Sonata midsize sedan and Elantra compact—Hyundai is starting a third shift at its plant in Montgomery, Ala., where the vehicles are built. And this move will do more than just make it easier for U.S. customers to find the cars they want—it also directly adds 877 new jobs to the American economy, while further increasing hiring at local suppliers.
The new shift at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) will come online in September, with hiring and training set to kick off this summer. All told, the increased production will add another 20,000 units to the plant’s capacity this year, marking a notable boost for both the Sonata and Elantra. The additional production comes at the right time, too, since sales of the popular pair are running above even last year’s record pace—in fact, demand for the Elantra is so high that Hyundai currently also has to import some from Korea to meet it.
The Sonata and Elantra remain among the country’s most popular choices for critics as well. In addition to setting new sales benchmarks so far in 2012, the Sonata has been named a Consumer Guide “Best Buy,” a Car Book “Best Bet,” and a “Greener Choice” of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; as for the Elantra, it’s been lauded as a “10 Best Green Car” by KBB.com, won a “Best Value in America” award from Vincentric, and took home the title of “Best Car under $20,000” from AOL Autos.
“The continued success of Hyundai’s Sonata and Elantra in North America is a direct reflection of the dedication to quality and craftsmanship by every HMMA team member,” said Young Deuk Lim, HMMA president and chief executive officer. “This commitment is the key reason Hyundai Motor Company chose to continue to invest in the people of Alabama and increase vehicle production in Montgomery.”