Happy Birthday’ for fastest-selling Hyundai in Europe

Offenbach, July 15th 2009

The fastest-selling model in the history of Hyundai in Europe, the i30, celebrates its second birthday this week with total sales of the hatchback and CW Estate models passing the 130.000 mark since its launch in July 2007.

So far this year more than 43.000 i30 cars have been delivered to European customers – defying the general economic gloom, to record a 15 per cent climb over the first six months of 2009, compared to the same period last year.

“The huge success achieved by the i30 range is the result of Hyundai developing cars to meet the specific needs of European consumers,” commented Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe. “In just two years since the model was brought to market, i30 has asserted itself as a serious contender in Europe’s C-segment, thanks to its stylish design, generous specification and ‘European’ ride and handling characteristics.

“Of equal importance in the current economic climate, the i30 provides high level of quality and reliability at an affordable price – making it the car of choice for a growing number of private and corporate buyers. These key characteristics are in keeping with our ‘True Quality Matters’ slogan,” added Rushforth.

As well as achieving the brand’s fastest-ever sales, the i30 has recorded a string of ‘firsts’ including: first Hyundai to be built in Europe; first Hyundai to be awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating; and first Hyundai to be launched under the company’s Blue DriveTM eco-initiative, which will see a host of emissions-cutting technologies being applied to the extensive model range.

In addition to being designed, engineered and manufactured with the specific needs of European consumers in mind, i30 also presents buyers with a range of engines including two ultra-modern, powerful and clean diesels. Already establishing itself as a popular choice in the i30 line-up, the competitive new 1.6-litre CRDi engine generates a substantial 116 HP, while its CO2 rating of just 119g/km qualifies for preferential taxation rates in many European markets.

Enhancing Hyundai’s eco-friendly credentials is the i30 Blue, which was introduced to the range this spring. Fitted with the innovative ‘Integrated Stop and Go’ (ISG) system, on the combined cycle the i30 Blue’s fuel consumption is reduced by seven per cent and CO2 emissions are lowered by 10g/km. ISG technology automatically switches the engine off when the car is at a standstill, cutting emissions by up to 15 per cent in heavily congested traffic.

Hyundai has been the only large-scale producer to significantly improve its market share in Europe over the first six months of 2009. Supporting Hyundai’s success is the new manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic, which ensures good availability of all i30 models at the brand’s European dealer showrooms