Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 52,051 vehicles in September, a 12 percent total sales increase compared with the same period a year ago, and a 16 percent retail sales increase over last September.

Year to date, Hyundai sales are up 20 percent versus 2010 in total, and up 31 percent at retail. Sales to fleet accounts represent 11 percent of the total sales year-to-date and just 10 percent for the month of September. Thirty-seven percent of Hyundai vehicles sold in September achieved 40 MPG fuel economy ratings.

Santa Fe and Tucson, the heart of Hyundai’s crossover line-up, registered sales increases of 67 and 36 percent, respectively. Equus, the highest-ranking premium luxury car in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study, delivered another strong month and has already exceeded its first full-year sales target.

Hyundai achieved a record corporate average fuel economy level of 36.5 MPG in September, and 35.9 MPG for the year-to-date, while selling an industry-leading 19,373 vehicles (Elantra sedan, Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster) with 40 MPG window label highway fuel economy ratings.