Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Hyundai Tucson SUV's global sales to surpass 4 million
Hyundai Motor’s SUV Tucson
By Park Jin-hai
By Park Jin-hai
Hyundai Motor said Sunday that the cumulative sales of the popular compact SUV Tucson are expected to surpass 4 million this month, 11 years after its 2004 launch.
It will therefore reach the 4-million mark in the shortest period among domestic SUVs.
It sold 3.95 million units of the Tucson as of the end of February.
With average monthly sales of 45,000 units, the number will likely to reach 4 million this month, making the model the first Korean SUV to claim the honor in record time.
In comparison, its rival Toyota Motor’s Ray 4 reached the 4 million sales mark in 2013, 18 years after its launch.
The Tucson posted 1 million sales in 2008 and touched the 3 million mark in 2013.
The unprecedented sales are partly explained from its increasing popularity in Europe. The vehicle emerged as the Hyundai’s best-selling model in Europe, selling a total of 94,166 units there last year, taking over the sales record of i20 compacts that enjoyed strong demand previously.
Hyundai’s third–generation all-new Tucson that had a global debut through the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month signals that it will make waves in the local SUV market.
Prior to its official launch slated on Tuesday, preorders for the vehicle topped 4,000 in three days.
“We have high hopes for the model. The next generation Tucson is the model that will satisfy customers’ both needs of better driving performance and safety,” said a company official.
Hyundai's five-seat compact SUV is a fully changed model in six years, featuring bold design elements, born under the touch of new design director Peter Schreyer, who created Kia's famous K series look.