Production of the EF Sonata to be suspended

"Production of the EF Sonata in China will be gradually suspended before Beijing Hyundai releases its independent model based on the EF Sonata," a Hyundai Motor official said. "The company will begin brand differentiation strategies by strengthening production of the new NF Sonata and implementing other market strategies." Monthly sales of EF Sonata dropped by 45.1% to about 2,000 units now so it's just a matter of time for the new NF Sonata to replace the old one, according to the official.

Started from yesterday, dealers at Beijing Hyundai Motor Co. are receiving incentives of more than 15,000 yuan for a Sonata sedan and an Elantra compact car, the venture's top-selling model in China, according to Hyundai spokesperson. Production of older EF Sonata will be stopped completely before the end of the year.

Beijing Hyundai expects to produce 30,000 to 40,000 units new NF Sonata in its first year, a number similar to the 37,117 EF Sonatas that Hyundai Motor sold in China last year. With the introduction of the new sedan, competition for Hyundai Motors in China is inevitable. Beijing Hyundai sold a total of 290,011 cars in China last year, including 169,716 Avante XD and 42,174 Accent vehicles.