January most successful month for imports

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Volkswagen Canada picked up in January exactly where it left off in December, with a new sales record. Total sales of new vehicles numbered 2,861, besting the previous mark; set in the year 2000, by over 18 per cent. This represented an increase of 23 per cent over last year’s result.

The all-new 2011 Jetta, launched last September, led the way with sales of 1,465, outpacing 2010’s total of 499 for the same month by more than 290 per cent. Starting from only $15,875, the award winning new Jetta features increased size and improved performance, while delivering excellent fuel economy at a very affordable price.

Sales of the Touareg sport utility also contributed to the positive results. With total deliveries of 125, the number was 89 per cent over last year’s figure.

Volkswagens equipped with TDI Clean Diesel technology continue to play a significant role in the company’s sales success. These models made up 33 per cent of the total sales volume in January. This award-winning technology is now available on the new Jetta and Golf, as well as on the new Touareg sport utility. TDI Clean Diesel engines utilize cutting edge technology, delivering all of the benefits of high mileage and tremendous durability, without any compromises in drivability or cargo capacity. The combination of environmental responsibility with the same fun-to-drive feeling found on all Volkswagens, make TDI Clean Diesel a popular choice among Canadian motorists.

Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. sold 6,684 units in January, surpassing the company’s previous January sales record set in 2010 by 9.9 per cent.

“Hyundai has been able to achieve 25 months straight months of sales growth through an aggressive new product introduction strategy,” said Steve Kelleher, President and CEO, Hyundai Canada. “While the all-new Tucson and Sonata have been performing extremely well in the market, the all-new Elantra exceeded all of our sales expectations in its first full month of sales. In fact, the Elantra more than doubled our previous sales record for January and the full marketing launch won’t begin until Super Bowl Sunday.”

Already the recipient of numerous international awards, the Hyundai Sonata was awarded another one with the “Special Total Value Award” by Strategic Vision in the US this month, besting all other segments and achieving the highest score in the history of the study. The company unveiled its new 2012 Veloster and the all-new 2012 Accent at the Auto Shows in Detroit and Montreal, respectively. As well, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada identified the Tucson as one of three finalists for the coveted Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year award.

Subaru Canada, Inc. also set a new record for January results with sales of its lineup of Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive vehicles reaching 1,753 units, up 1.4 percent over last January. This strong start to 2011 sales continues Subaru Canada’s trend of annual sales increases over the past five years. It was also a record-breaking month for both the Outback and Forester models: Outback sales jumped up 15.7 percent over last January while Forester sales rose by 2.7 percent over the same month last year.

“Our well-balanced product offering continues to generate positive consumer response,” said Shiro Ohta, president and CEO of SCI. “This solid momentum is a testament to having the right product at the right time and the strength of our dealer network. Recent trends tell us that the industry is beginning to recover so 2011 will be a real opportunity for us to bring the Subaru brand to the next level.”