Hyundai Motor Europe Enters New Year with Positive Momentum
Rüsselsheim, February 8th, 2005 – European demand for Hyundai vehicles appears just as strong in 2005 as it was in 2004. Despite continuously weak consumer spending Hyundai Motor Europe GmbH sold 25,871 vehicles in Europe during January. This represents a moderate rise of four percent in a year-on year comparison.
In January, strong performers were the Getz (7,062 units) and Tucson (4,513 units). Overall, passenger car sales reached 13,648 units followed by recreational vehicles with 11,368 units.
With several major model improvements in store for its European customers, Hyundai Motor Europe expects sales to surge with each new model introductions during the upcoming months. Being the first of a refined model line up, the new Sonata has become a strong contender in the European D-segment; the car has its show room debut in Europe later this month. Trusting the predicted rise in consumer spending for 2005, Hyundai Motor Europe confidentially estimates to raise sales by about 20 percent to 430,000 units year-over-year.
Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Automotive Group which includes Kia Motors Corp. and over two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Employing nearly 50,000 people worldwide, Hyundai Motor posted 17.77 billion Euro in sales in 2003. Hyundai motor vehicles are sold in 190 countries through 4,504 dealerships and showrooms. Further information about Hyundai Motor Co. and its products is available on the Internet at http://www.hyundai-motor.com/. | 
