The Avante compact manufactured by Korea’s top automaker Hyundai Motor Co. was the company’s top-selling car in the global market last year, industry data showed Tuesday.

A total of 787,067 units of the Avante, known as the Elantra in the United States, were sold in 2011 in the domestic and overseas markets, accounting for 19 percent of Hyundai Motor’s overall shipments of 4.14 million vehicles, according to the data.

Its domestic sale reached 130,628 units last year, while 239,439 units were exported and 417,000 units were sold through overseas operations.

The Avante was named the 2012 North American Car of the Year earlier this year for its new design and high fuel efficiency. Over 186,000 Avantes were sold in the United States last year.

Market watchers said the Avante is expected to become Hyundai Motor’s first million-selling model by the end of this year after it hits the Chinese and Indian markets later this year.

The data also showed that the Accent subcompact was Hyundai’s second-best selling car last year with 586,291 units sold. The mid-size sedan Sonata recorded sales of 523,320 units to rank third and the sport utility vehicle Tucson came next with 476,264 units.

Kia Motor Corp.’s SUV Sportage was the company’s best-selling car last year with 385,735 units sold in the world market. Sales of the Forte and the Pride, both produced by Hyundai Motor’s sister company, came to 337,779 and 304,353, respectively. 

(Yonhap News)