Hyundai i30 beats the C-segment
average for residual values in Europe

Offenbach, August 14 2009. New analysis has revealed that the Hyundai i30 is expected to exceed the residual value (RV) average in the highly competitive C-segment when it reaches three years old. Independent automotive intelligence agency EurotaxGlass’s predicts that after three years and 30,000km the i30 will retain 50% of its original price in Europe – some 2.9% ahead of the C-segment average.

EurotaxGlass’s undertook the study in nine major European countries and concluded that the i30 will perform particularly well in the UK (+8% above the national average for the C-segment), Italy (+6.4%), Spain (+5.2%) and France (+4.4%).

The i30’s mainstream European competitors – such as Opel Astra, Ford Focus and Toyota Auris – have endured a year-on-year drop in forecast values in Austria, but the i30 remains firm at 1.9% ahead of the segment. The value of used i30s is significantly higher than its major rivals in other markets too, including Spain, Belgium and the UK.

“The forecast used car values reflect growing awareness of our brand in Europe and bring the i30 to the forefront of the C-segment for low whole-life costs. Many factors have contributed to the i30’s excellent RV performance, including its class-leading quality, renowned reliability and generous equipment,” said Allan Rushforth, Vice President for Hyundai Motor Europe.

The i30’s highly competitive position was enhanced earlier this year when Hyundai announced that all i30s in Europe would come with a five-year powertrain warranty, to mark the opening of the company’s first European manufacturing plant, based in the Czech Republic and home to i30 production.

“Since its launch in 2007, the i30 hatchback and CW estate have strengthened Hyundai’s presence in Europe and heightened the brand’s appeal to new customers,” added Mr. Rushforth.

i-range siblings also rank highly
The analysis by EurotaxGlass’s extended to the other ‘i’ models in Hyundai’s small and compact car range: the i10 and i20. RV forecasts show the i10 will do particularly well in Italy – a major player in the European A-segment – where it will retain 57.5% of its original price, putting it 8% ahead of the segment average. In the Netherlands, the i20 is expected to hold onto 60.2%, some 5.7% above the B-segment average for that country. The i20 will also perform ahead of trend in other markets that have traditionally favoured home-grown small cars, including France and Spain.

“Our efforts to carefully manage the supply and demand of our desirable compact cars have been acknowledged by the used car market. The ‘i’ models have specifically been designed and developed for European consumers to provide excellent fuel efficiency, value and reliability. Hyundai’s new car buyers can be assured that, when the time comes to sell, they will continue to receive excellent value for money from Hyundai in the form of strong RVs,” concluded Mr. Rushforth.