Hyundai looking for ways to increase top-selling Sonata output

As we learned last week, Hyundai has been enjoying greater output and sales of its best-selling 2011 Sonata sedan last month, by exploiting capacity created in an anticipated production relocation of the Santa Fe from Alabama to a Kia plant in Georgia. August saw the production of 24,111 Sonata sedans, up from 13,995 units the month before. Only 31 Santa Fe crossover vehicles were produced in the plant in August.

While high production figures are all well and good, what really matters is whether the model sell; the Sonata does ““ 21,399 units were sold in August, a 81% increase over the same time last year. The increased production serves as a prime example of the benefit of corporate partnerships.

Through relocating the Santa Fe production site to a shared plant with the Kia Sorrento (the two vehicles share a platform), Hyundai not only was able to increase capacity in Alabama, but expand the workforce at both plants, as Alabama now employs two shifts five days per week, and one Saturday shift twice per month.

Click here for more news on the Hyundai Sonata.

2011 Hyundai Sonata:

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)