Hyundai Motor Co. is operating its Asan plant at full capacity to meet the overwhelming demand for the highly anticipated Sonata The Edge, a revamped model of Sonata that represents South Korean midsize sedans.

Since its release, consumer interest in the new model introduced after a four-year gap since the launch of the 8th generation Sonata (DN8), has been steadily increasing. For those looking to purchase the new Sonata this month, it is expected that the delivery time may take up to 10 months.

As of May 21, estimated waiting period for the delivery of Hyundai’s Sonata The Edge are approximately five months for the 2.0-liter gasoline model, five months for the 1.6-liter turbo gasoline, six months for the 2.0 LPi, six months for the N Line high-performance, and a longer waiting time of 10 months for the hybrid variant, according to industry sources on Sunday.

In comparison, Kia Corp.’s K5, a sedan in the same class as the Sonata based on the 2.0-liter gasoline variant, has a shorter delivery period of only four to five weeks for contracts made this month. Currently, Hyundai and Kia’s internal combustion engine sedan models have delivery waiting periods ranging from one to three months. The extended waiting time for Sonata delivery can be attributed not only to high consumer interest but also to the busy work situation at Hyundai’s Asan plant.

The plant is responsible for manufacturing three models: Sonata, Grandeur and the electric Ioniq 6. While the plant previously produced only Sonata and Grandeur cars, the addition of the Ioniq 6 as a production model since last year has contributed to the increased workload. The combined domestic and international sales of these three models have nearly doubled, rising from 50,485 units during the first four months last year to 94,282 units during the same period this year.

Among the three models, the Grandeur has experienced the most significant surge in sales. From January to April last year, the Grandeur recorded a total of 20,070 units sold domestically and internationally. However, during the same period this year, Grandeur sales more than doubled to 41,455 units.

By Moon Gwang-min and Minu Kim

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