Buoyed by Hyundai Genesis Win, Korean Automaker Reports Strong January Sales

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, California — Hyundai got off to a quick start in January, announcing that it sold 24,512 vehicles, a 14 percent increase over 2008. The increase was attributed to the Hyundai Genesis' naming as 2009 North American Car of the Year and the rollout of the Hyundai Assurance program, which kicked off in January and allows consumers to return their new Hyundai if they lose their jobs.

At the same time, Kia and Subaru also announced sales gains for January. Kia reported January sales of 22, 096, an increase of 3.5 percent over January 2008 and described by the Korean automaker as "the second-best January in the company's history." Those sales were led by the Kia Sorento and Kia Sportage.

Subaru of America also announced an 8 percent sales increase for January over last year's results. Subaru said sales of the 2009 Forester broke records with 5,162 units sold in January versus 2,402 units in January 2008 — an increase of 115 percent.

In the meantime, Detroit was reeling as Chrysler, Ford and GM all recorded dramatic sales drops for January. Chrysler sales fell 55 percent versus January 2008, while GM said its sales slid 49 percent. Ford reported a decline of 40 percent.

Inside Line says: There were a few bright spots in the gloomy January sales scenario. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent