Hyundai i45 makes way for Enhanced i40 Range

SYDNEY – Jan 23, 2013: Hyundai Motor Company Australia has announced today that it will suspend importing the i45 sedan into the Australian market.

The decision is based on ever-increasing global demand for the i45, known as Sonata in many overseas markets, and limitations to global supply. Demand is especially heavy in the Middle East and North America and those markets receive priority, while Australia has struggled to secure enough i45 volume to deliver to the car’s potential.

The i45’s place in Hyundai’s Australian range is being taken by the newly introduced i40 sedan. Recent specification upgrades have enriched the value equation for the i40 range and it now offers a plethora of standard features across the model line-up.

“The i40 range offers Australian buyers the option of Sedan and Tourer body styles, as well as a choice of highly efficient petrol and diesel powertrains with class-leading specifications throughout,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Operating Officer, John Elsworth. “We’ve worked hard to introduce more features to i40 and to create a premium mid-size choice for the brand.”

Local supplies of the outgoing i45, which will continue to be sold overseas, are now limited and Hyundai expects much of the remaining stock will be absorbed by the corporate and government sectors, where i45 has been a popular choice.