Some 2.7 million units of various Sonata models, from the very first Sonata to the latest sixth-generation Sonata, locally known as the Sonata YF, were sold here while the rest were sold overseas, including 1.3 million units in the United States.
"The Sonata is the very history of South Korea's mid-size sedans that enjoyed the great affection of customers for the past 25 years, even called the best sedan of South Korea," a Hyundai executive said.
The Sonata is only the third South Korean vehicle to reach accumulated global sales of 5 million units, following the Accent and the Avante, both also by Hyundai Motor, the company said.
Continuing the long history of the vehicle, Hyundai Motor will begin selling its new Sonata 2011 this week.
The new Sonata has an improved gas mileage with a motor-driven power steering system, according to Hyundai Motor.
The local price of the Sonata 2011 with a 2.0-liter engine was set at 21.7 million won (US$17,670) with that of the premium model with a 2.4-liter engine carrying a price tag of 30 million won.
Hyundai Motor is also set to introduce the next generation hybrid Sonata in the second half of the year, according to the Hyundai executive.//Yonhap
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com