Hyundai Motors America sells one millionth Santa Fe SUV

Since the moment it was introduced to the automotive world in September 2000, Hyundai's Santa Fe has been a powerful player in the crossover segment. That momentum continues, with the recent models leading the charge to a retail sales growth rate exceeding 40 percent through June - highlighted by the sale of the one millionth Santa Fe in the United States.

"When the Santa Fe launched in the United States 13 years ago, not only was it Hyundai's first SUV, but it was one of the first compact crossovers on the market - just behind Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV. It was a bold move that paid off and helped position Hyundai as a brand that could innovate in design and package, not just value and warranty," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.

Santa Fe opened doors to an entire new group of car buyers and offered them a new choice in the small crossover class. Entering the market with distinctive design, great equipment and backed by industry leading quality, Santa Fe soon became one of the bestselling crossovers in the industry.

The Santa Fe was top rated in the 2001 Vehicle Satisfaction Index from Auto Pacific, the first time a Korean brand vehicle lead in a satisfaction category, to being named in U.S. News and World Report the 'Best 3-Row Midsize SUV' and '2013 Best Car for the Money.'

Santa Fe has deep American roots with assembly today taking place in Georgia, where the majority of Santa Fes are now produced. Previously, the Santa Fe was built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing in Montgomery, Alabama, where the Sonata and Elantra nameplates are built today.