Hyundai Motors Has Increased Sales in the U.S.

Only one major automaker increased U.S. sales in 2009, and South Korea’s Hyundai aims for a bigger slice of the market this year.

Helped by new models and aggressive marketing, Hyundai hopes to sell over 500,000 cars in the U.S, raising its market share to 4.5 percent.

Its share of the key market jumped by over a point last year, as most of the industry struggled in the wake of falling demand sparked by the financial crisis.

Hyundai says it may gain share this year at troubled Toyota’s expense, but will find Detroit rivals stronger than in 2009, when GM and Chrysler went through bankruptcies.

The Korean carmaker is offering a $1,000 incentive to customers trading in Toyota vehicles.

Hyundai U.S. sales shot up 24 percent in January, while Toyota sales fell 16 percent.

Shares of Hyundai were higher in early trading Tuesday, not far from a year peak.

Foto: NTDTV