Domestic Cars Join the 10 Million Club... After Avante and Accent, Who's Next?
The "Sonata," known as the "national sedan," has sold 9.63 million units over the past 40 years since its launch in 1985, putting it on the verge of surpassing the 10 million mark. In the Korean automotive industry, the only models that have reached 10 million units sold are the Hyundai Motor Company Avante and Accent. Hyundai Motor Company is continuing the legacy of Korea's representative mid-size sedan by releasing a new model year version with enhanced features.
Forty-Year-Old Sonata, Eight Generations of Evolution
According to the industry on September 29, the Sonata first appeared on the market in 1985 as a premium trim of the Stellar, which was launched in 1983. It is the longest-running single passenger car brand in production, having evolved through eight generations to date.
In its first year on the market in 1985, the Sonata sold over 1,000 units and began exports the following year. In 1991, domestic sales surpassed 100,000 units, and by 2002, overseas sales had also exceeded 100,000 units. In 2011, the Sonata set its all-time annual sales record, with 420,000 units sold overseas. As of the end of August, the cumulative sales of the Sonata since its launch have reached 9,636,059 units. With the Hyundai Motor Company Tucson expected to reach 10 million units sold this year after surpassing 9 million in April last year, the Sonata is anticipated to become the fourth domestic model to reach 10 million units sold.
New 'S Trim' Added... 2026 Sonata The Edge Released
On this day, Hyundai Motor Company launched the new model year "2026 Sonata The Edge," continuing the tradition of the Sonata. A new "S" trim, featuring specifications popular with customers, has been added, and a variety of convenience and safety features are now standard across all trims.
The S trim, based on the entry-level "Premium" trim, comes standard with a 12.3-inch cluster and navigation system, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, highway driving assist, ventilated front seats, and dual full-auto air conditioning. The main "Exclusive" trim is equipped as standard with remote smart parking assist, surround view monitor, blind-spot monitor, side parking distance warning, and rear parking collision-avoidance assist, among other convenience and safety features.
For the new model year, the Smartstream gasoline 2.0 model is priced between 28,260,000 and 35,490,000 won. The hybrid, reflecting tax benefits, is priced at 32,700,000 won for the Premium trim and 39,790,000 won for the top-tier Inspiration trim.
Forty Years of Memories with the Sonata
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Sonata's launch, Hyundai Motor Company is holding the "By Your Side - Stellar & Sonata" exhibition at the greenhouse space of the "Picnic" cultural venue in Namsan, Seoul, through January 4 next year. The exhibition features the restored "Stellar 88" vehicle and related archives.
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