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Small crossovers, it seems, are all the rage these days. So much so that Hyundai says it is already increasing production of its all-new 2010 Hyundai Tucson in order to meet consumer demand.

Although the reworked crossover is barely out on the market (it hit dealers shortly after its debut at the Los Angeles auto show in December), sales have been rather brisk. In January, the first full month of sales for the new Tucson, Hyundai dealers saw a model leap by some 128 percent. With a starting price of $19,790 (including destination), impressive standard content, and an EPA rating as high as 31 mpg on the highway, low base price, and sharp looks, the vehicle so far has been a hit with consumers shopping the crowded crossover segment.

"We're going to see a huge jump this year," John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, told Automotive News. Although he wouldn't discuss projections or estimate sales or production levels, he did indicate production at the factory in Ulsan, South Korea, would be ramped up as needed.

Hyundai claims it is cross-shopped with Toyota as consumers look for alternatives to the Detroit Three's offerings. "A lot of customers look at Hyundai and Toyota together, and much more frequently than before, they're picking Hyundai," Krafcik said. Although it isn't pursuing Toyota customers during the recent recall frenzy, Hyundai reportedly is seeing a greater increase in showroom traffic than any other brand. -By Steve Diehlman

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

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