Hyundai maintains sales momentum, and previews new products that will underpin future growth

Offenbach, September 15th 2009: Hyundai has achieved another period of impressive sales growth in Europe, with sales last month of 22,974 units – up 36,1% on the August 2008 total. According to new figures from industry body ACEA, Hyundai has sold 226,241 units and secured a 2,4% share of Europe’s total new car market since the start of 2009, compared to 1,8% for the same period in 2008.

A host of new products will underpin Hyundai’s plans to further increase market share, and the company is unveiling seven exciting new models today at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. These include five that are the latest result of Hyundai’s Blue Drive initiative – the production-ready i30 Blue diesel, i10 EV and Elantra LPI Hybrid, as well as two eco-concepts: the Blue Will and ix-Metro. Also making their global debut will be the all-new ix35 C-segment SUV and the re-engineered Santa Fe, which together will boost Hyundai’s presence in the SUV market.

“Hyundai’s sales and brand profile in Europe continue to rise, but to maintain this momentum it is essential we broaden our product range and explore new technologies that satisfy the requirements of European new car buyers,” explains Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe. “The models launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show each bring different attributes to the Hyundai product portfolio, but they all demonstrate our engineering know-how and our expertise in developing practical solutions for low-emissions motoring.”

In the next six months Hyundai will bring to market three of the Frankfurt Motor Show debutants. The first of these is the i30 Blue diesel fitted with ISG Stop-Start technology, which is due on sale in October. Already available with a petrol-powered engine, the new 1.6-litre diesel derivative is a further extension to the popular i30 range. Impressively, the i30 Blue diesel can reduce CO2 emissions to 113g/km in the 90HP model and 117g/km in the 115HP version.

During the first quarter of 2010 the ix35 will come to market. Replacing the acclaimed Tucson, the ix35 retains the dramatic ‘fluidic’ design language of the ix-onic concept car unveiled earlier this year.

Arriving in the last quarter of this year is the facelifted Santa Fe, which has undergone a number of significant engineering improvements to optimize safety, improve fuel efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and improve handling on- and off-road. Changes to the exterior bring the Santa Fe’s design up-to-date and in line with Hyundai’s current styling.