Fast start to 2010 for Hyundai’s European sales

Offenbach, February 17th 2010

Hyundai has continued the impressive results achieved throughout 2009 by recording a sales increase in Europe of 51,6% last month, while the total new car market rose by only 13%. Figures announced by automotive industry body ACEA reveal that Hyundai sold 28.028 units – equivalent to 2,6% market share – through its European distributors in January, up from 18.487 units in January last year.

It was the 11th consecutive month of growth for Hyundai in Europe, and the 13th successive month in which the brand has performed better than the European trend for new car sales.

The compact, efficient i-range once again proved to be very popular among European buyers. The Europe-built i30 more than doubled its volume for the month (up 111%) and i10 sales also continued to grow (up 26%). Meanwhile, the i20 has rapidly built up popularity following its launch in the first quarter of 2009, contributing over 6.500 units to Hyundai’s European total in January.

Allan Rushforth, Vice President at Hyundai Motor Europe, said, “Hyundai sales grew by 26% in 2009 – well ahead of the European market trend – and we expect to outperform the market once again this year. Following 2009’s full-year market share of 2.4%, this year’s ambition is to achieve 2.75%, and we have had a fast start in January towards hitting our objective.

“With scrappage schemes being phased out in major territories such as Germany and the UK, European auto industry growth will slow down during the first half of 2010. As the economy recovers, however, Hyundai’s growing brand awareness and reputation for quality will help to drive sales in the second half of the year, supported by new model launches and upgrades. The product renewal begins with the all-new ix35, and will hit top gear when we introduce the first of 10 new vehicles from the third quarter.”

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