Following a 10.6% drop in net profit during the second quarter, Hyundai is cutting back on production of the Santa Fe in their Montgomery, Alabama plant. Production will be cut down by 40,000 units due to slowing sales and sky-rocketing fuel prices.Hyundai has already cut production of the Santa Fe over the last several months, and increased the output of the Sonata sedan. Thus, Hyundai will not be forced to cut workers or shifts due to the switch.
However, in 2010 when the Santa Fe receives a facelift, a 2.4 litre 4 cylinder Theta engine will be available, alongside the current 2.7 and 3.3 litre V6's. The new engine should offer 22mpg (26.4mpg UK) in city driving and 32mpg (38.4mpg UK) highway driving. That means it offers better fuel economy than the Nissan Rogue crossover.