Surprise: Hyundai Reports 14% Increase in January Sales, Kia up 3.5%

Whereas most -if not all- American, European and Japanese automakers were counting heavy losses for the month of January, both Hyundai and its affiliate KIA recorded gains. Hyundai announced U.S. sales of 24,512 units for the month of January, up 14 percent versus 2008 and 2 percent over December while Kia reported sales of 22,096 units, which not only represents an increase of 3.5 percent over January of 2008 but at the same time, it makes it the second best January in the company's history.