Hyundai Sets Second Straight February Sales Record

HYANNIS, Mass., March 13, 2013 — Boosted by strong gains from its Santa Fe crossover, Hyundai recorded its best-ever February sales last month. The automaker moved 52,311 units in the United States, outselling last year's record-breaking February by 2 percent. A strong Presidents Day weekend and healthy inventory levels at dealerships helped Hyundai reach that impressive tally.

Redesigned for the 2013 model year, the Hyundai Santa Fe nameplate sold 6,339 units last month, a 64 percent increase over February 2012. The 2013 Santa Fe Sport launched last year as a five-passenger crossover with Hyundai's new "fluidic sculpture" design and the option of either a standard 2.4-liter or turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Meanwhile, the longer-wheelbase, seven-passenger 2013 Santa Fe will be arriving at showrooms later this month sporting a 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 engine.

"The new Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport manage to mix style, function and features better than any other crossovers in the same price range, as well as some that cost thousands of dollars more," said JJ Hoyt, general manager of Balise Hyundai of Cape Cod, a Hyannis, Massachusetts Hyundai dealer. "They're sleek, versatile and fun to drive, but either option still offers plenty of cargo capacity and enough seating for the whole family when it's time to hit the road."

Interest in the Santa Fe was heightened after Hyundai featured the model in two successful Super Bowl commercials in February. One spot focuses on a family of six heading out on an "Epic Playdate" in the crossover, driving to a skateboard park, a museum and a petting zoo, all while being flanked by psychedelic rock band The Flaming Lips. A second ad follows a young boy and his mom as they use the Santa Fe to round up a group of unusually talented children to take on a group of bullies in a football game. Titled "Team," the commercial placed fifth in YouTube's annual Ad Blitz, which asks users to rank their favorite big-game commercials.

The Hyundai Santa Fe also earned critical acclaim last month, topping the Midsize SUVs with 3 Rows segment in U.S. News & World Report's Best Cars for the Money Awards. Paying tribute to the vehicle in each class that offers the most affordable yet enjoyable ride, the U.S. News awards factor in automotive journalists' opinions, as well as a range of industry data. Editors consider average price paid and five-year cost of ownership from TrueCar.com, reliability information from J.D. Power and Associates, and safety scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

"When it comes to getting the most for your money, both versions of the Santa Fe deliver, whether you're running errands around town with the family or hauling the football team to practice," added Hoyt. "Modern parents don't have to sacrifice capability for a comfortable cabin for the kids, and the U.S. News awards show that the Santa Fe can fulfill both those needs without breaking the bank."

About Balise Hyundai of Cape Cod:
Part of the Balise Auto Group, Balise Hyundai of Cape Cod offers Massachusetts drivers a full selection of stylish, fuel-efficient Hyundai sedans, hatchbacks and crossovers. Their broad inventory is backed by a friendly, knowledgeable sales staff and an expert service team that keeps Hyundai owners out on the road where they belong. Contact the Balise Hyundai team by phone at 508-815-4006, browse their inventory online at www.balisehyundaiofcapecod.com, or visit their dealership in person at 556 Yarmouth Rd. in Hyannis, Mass. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BaliseHyundaiCapeCod.