People can’t stop shopping for the Hyundai Sonata

Watch out Honda and Toyota – the Hyundai Sonata is making noise.  According to data released by Compete – a Kantar Media Company – the 2011 Hyundai Sonata was on 130,000 shopping lists in May, making it the most-shopped-for vehicle of the month.  With the modern sedan topping shopping lists at the car dealer, Fort Meyers shoppers can’t afford to ignore the numbers.

According to the recent report, the surge in Sonata shoppers has boosted Hyundai’s total share of market interest in the mid-size category as part of a 7.4 percent increase since last December.  Much of this growth is thanks to the dynamism of the new Sonata model, as well as the introduction of the 2010 Hyundai Tuscon.  With a record high 340,000 potential car buyers considering the Sonata in May, Hyundai’s total market share (11.6%) has surpassed Nissan (11.2%) and is encroaching on market leaders Honda (12.9%) and Toyota (14.2%).  Hyundai has reported that shopper volume across the entire industry in May was the best since February 2008, at 2.8 million potential car buyers.

Shoppers will understand this unprecedented hike in popularity when they see the Sonata’s progressive features and luxurious contours.  The 2011 Sonata offers a smart balance between fun (198 horsepower standard) and class-topping fuel economy (22 mpg city / 35 mpg highway).  Using advanced four-cylinder engines exclusively, the Sonata delivers performance and efficiency via a brand new Theta II 2.4-liter gasoline-direct-injection engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

Shopper volume has not been the only swelling statistic for Hyundai.  Sales totaled 50,000 units in May – 33% higher than last year – which means Hyundai dealers are making good on potential sales.  In fact, total sales have been steadily rising consistently over the past few years.  Already a popular choice in Ft. Meyers, used car dealers and new dealers alike will be able to offer even more, with hybrid and turbo power-train engine upgrades due by the end of the year.

The people have spoken and the 2011 Sonata is atop car-shopping lists everywhere.  The numbers don’t lie, and it appears this red-hot Hyundai sedan will remain a leading competitor in the mid-size category far into the foreseeable future.