Hyundai Australia Hits One Million Sales

Some 26 years since the brand arrived in Australia, the one milionth Hyundai has been sold here - and in the same city where it all began, Perth.

Hyundai can even tell you the exact car that rolled off the showroom floor as the carmaker's millionth Australian sale: an ix35 SUV, sold at 5:01pm.

Oliver Mann, Hyundai Australia's marketing boss, said the buyer will receive a little something extra to help celebrate the sale. (A free i30? A bottle of bubbly, we'd wager.)

“The true significance of reaching one million sales in Australia is that so many local buyers have put their faith in the Hyundai brand when there is so much choice in the market," Mann said.

“We thank them for their loyalty, and pledge to continue our efforts to provide them with superior quality and service.”

The brand was first brought to Australia through Perth by the Bond Group in 1986, with just one model in its catalogue - the Excel.

Hyundai says its Australian sales peaked in 2011 at a record 87,008 units, through a nationwide network of 150 dealers. 

The carmaker passed 500,000 local sales in 2004, a year after the wholly-owned Hyundai Motor Company Australia subsidiary was established, taking over management and distribution.

Local stalwart Holden sold its one millionth car in 1962, Ford in 1967, and Toyota in 1987.

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Hyundai milestones

1986 – Hyundai introduced to Australia by the Bond Group, WA
1989 – Sonata launched in Australia 
1989 – Inaugural Hyundai Hopman Cup tournament, Perth
1990 – Lantra launched in Australia
1990 – HADA established as part of Astre Automotive
1995 – Excel becomes top selling Light car in Australia
1997 – Hyundai introduces Driveaway pricing
1998 – Skipper Hyundai named world’s top selling Hyundai dealer
2000 – Excel passes 250,000 sales 
2000 – Accent wins inaugural ABC Best Small Car award
2002 – Getz launched in Australia
2003 – HMCA established
2003 – Getz named Australia’s Best Small Car
2004 – Hyundai sells its 500,000th new car in Australia
2005 – Hyundai A-League launched
2005 – Australia qualifies for FIFA World Cup
2005 – Hyundai introduces 5 year warranty unlimited km warranty
2007 – Hyundai announces partnership with Carlton Football Club
2007 – i30 wins Carsguide Car of the Year
2008 – Hyundai promotes free Electronic Stability Control 
2008 – HMCA establishes state of the art new Head Office in Macquarie Park
2009 – i30 and iMax receive Australia’s Best Cars awards
2009 – Hyundai announces partnership with Brisbane Lions
2010 – HMCA stages Fan Fest live sites for 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 – HMCA begins partnership with JB Were Masters
2010 – Canstar Blue recognises Hyundai for ‘Most Satisfied Customers’
2010 – i45 wins Australian International Design Award
2010 – Hyundai introduces iCare and MyHyundai owners’ portal
2011 – Hyundai announces partnership with Wests Tigers announced
2011 – HMCA achieves record 87,008 sales
2012 – Hyundai delivers its 1 Millionth new car in Australia