South Korea May 2012: New gen Hyundai Santa Fe & Kia K9 land

Hyundai Santa Fe

See the Top 40 best-selling models by clicking on the title! *

Sales of new local cars are up just 0.7% year-on-year in May in South Korea to 120,574 units, bringing the year-to-date total to 566,743 units, down 9% on 2011. For the first time since last January and only the second time in the last two years the Hyundai Sonata is in the lead of the models ranking this month with 9,236 sales and 7.7%, ahead of the Hyundai Avante (aka Elantra) at 8,758 units and 7.3% but still in pole position in 2012 year-to-date with 45,325 sales and 8% vs. 42,088 and 7.4% for the Sonata. The Kia Morning (aka Picanto) rounds up the podium at 8,314 units and 6.9% but ranks #4 in 2012.

Just below the Kia K5 solid at #4 and 6.5%, the new generation Hyundai Santa Fe shoots up to a fantastic 5th position thanks to 7,809 sales for a 6.5% market share. In the coming few months the Santa Fe could have a serious go at the #1 spot overall for the first time since 2004… Further down, we welcome an all-new model in the ranking: the Kia K9 lands directly in 21st position with 1,500 sales and 1.4%.

Previous month: South Korea April 2012: Hyundai Accent at best-ever #12

One year ago: South Korea May 2011: Hyundai Grandeur keeps the lead

Full May 2012 Top 40 Ranking Table below.