Hyundai Motor Celebrates the Sonata's 30th Anniversary

•    Sonata first appeared in the Middle East and Africa in 1988, and the mid-size sedan has since recorded sales of over 300,000 units
•    Over 7.3 million units have been sold globally, making it one of Hyundai’s best-selling passenger cars

May 12, 2015 - Hyundai Motor Company is this year celebrating the 30th anniversary of one of its best-selling models, the Sonata mid-size sedan.

The Sonata, which made its debut in 1985 in Korea, has played a pivotal role in Hyundai’s growth and reputation, especially in the Middle East and Africa, where it was launched in 1988, and by April 2015 it had registered sales of some 314,181 units in this region alone.

In total, it has recorded sales of over 7.3 million units globally since its introduction 30 years ago, ensuring its place as a family sedan much loved by customers all around the world.

During its 30-year history, the Sonata has been constantly reinvented with a fresh new look and innovative technologies to ensure each generation is the leader in the class. Most recently, the Korean brand introduced the All-New Sonata, 7th Generation, to the Middle East in September 2014. 

“Over the past 30 years we have continued to aspire to become the world’s most beloved brand and the ongoing success of the Sonata has helped contribute to this goal” said James Kim, Vice-President and Head of Hyundai Africa and Middle East.  “Since 1988, this iconic model has been a huge factor in Hyundai's growth not only in Africa and the Middle East but around the world, this is thanks to the constant reinvention of the model which has ensured that it has continued to stay ahead of competitor models and at the forefront of our customer’s minds.”

The latest generation, named the All-New Sonata stays true to Hyundai’s acclaimed ‘Modern Premium’ brand direction, where it offers modern styling, excellent performance, and practical application of the latest Hyundai technologies. It is the second model have been designed using Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 philosophy boasting dramatic looks and a design concept that focuses on ‘Inner Force’, a theme that points to evolved aesthetics and confident perfection.