OC auto sales down 37% in first quarter — except Hyundai and Kia

The Orange County Register is reporting that auto sales dropped 37% in the first quarter of 2009, hardly a surprise with the economy in the tank (California unemployment has topped 11%).

There were two exceptions to this drop: Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia jumped 12.8%, with their combined market share reaching 5%.

Looks like the ads are working.

UPDATE:
Around the rest of the country, Hyundai did experience a 14% drop in April sales, but that still makes it one of the strongest showings. Honda was also "up" there, with only a 25% drop in sales. Sheesh.