Krafcik: Hyundai’s U.S. production needs to grow to meet demand

2011 Hyundai Sonata

There is no doubt that Hyundai is making a huge comeback in the U.S. market. John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, said yesterday that the company needs more factory output in the United States and will announce plans to expand production in the region within the next month.

Krafcik said that Hyundai’s Alabama plant, which makes the Santa Fe and the Sonata, is running at maximum capacity right now and is struggling to meet demands for the models. He declined to give any specific details on how U.S. production will change but said “we know we have to grow U.S. production.”

Hyundai’s 2010 July sales came in at a record 54,106 units – up 19 percent from the same period a year ago. It was the fourth month that Hyundai’s U.S. sales topped 50,000 vehicles. So far in 2010, Hyundai’s U.S. sales are up 24 percent to 309,888 units – the overall market is up 15 percent.

2011 Hyundai Sonata:

– By: Omar Rana

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)