Hyundai has recently announced that the 2025 Santa Fe has been named a finalist for the North American Utility of the Year Award. This recognition, revealed on November 21, 2024, comes from the NACTOY jury, which consists of 50 independent journalists from the U.S. and Canada. Olabisi Boyle, Senior Vice President at Hyundai, emphasized the brand's creativity and commitment to the SUV market, noting that the Santa Fe features a longer wheelbase, a spacious interior, and advanced technology [8532158a].
The Santa Fe's hybrid model has seen a remarkable 60% increase in sales since its production began, showcasing Hyundai's successful push into the hybrid vehicle market [8532158a]. This accolade adds to the Santa Fe's growing list of honors, including being recognized as the Top Midsize SUV in the J.D. Power 2024 APEAL Study [8532158a].
In addition to the Santa Fe's recognition, Hyundai's 2024 IONIQ 5 N has been awarded the prestigious Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems designation. This award highlights the vehicle's exceptional performance, powered by Hyundai's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The IONIQ 5 N, which boasts 641 horsepower, has now received a total of 17 Wards recognitions since 1995, showcasing Hyundai's commitment to innovation and performance in the automotive industry [c4b2d379].
Moreover, the upcoming IONIQ 9 has been named one of Newsweek's America's Most Anticipated New Vehicles for 2025, further solidifying Hyundai's position in the electric vehicle market. The IONIQ 9 is expected to be the first three-row all-electric SUV, featuring a design inspired by traditional Korean Hanbok garments [03cf6ddc].
Hyundai's total sales for June 2024 reached 67,631 units, reflecting a 2.5% decrease from June 2023, yet several models, including the Elantra HEV and IONIQ 5, set sales records. The company's strong performance in Q2 2024 saw total sales of 214,719 units, a 2.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023, driven by demand for the IONIQ 5 and Tucson HEVs [6e6d2f62].
The winners of the North American Utility of the Year Award will be announced at the Detroit Auto Show on January 10, 2025, marking a significant event for Hyundai and the automotive industry [8532158a].