Hyundai expects another sales fiesta in Europe 323,362 units sold until November 2005
- 4.5 per cent total sales increase in year-on-year comparison
- Getz continues as model champion, followed by Tucson SUV
- New Sonata and Grandeur sedans well-received by markets
Rüsselsheim, December 2, 2005 – In a reluctantly recovering European car market Hyundai Motor Europe (HME) managed to increase sales from last year, reaching 323,362 units in the year-to-date. Hyundai’s registrations in Europe grew by 4.5 per cent until the end of November.
With 94,202 units sold so far this year the super-mini Getz was again one of Europe’s most popular small cars and continues to be the back-bone of Hyundai in Europe. The Tucson, Hyundai’s small SUV, also proved a major success, with sales of 56,709 units, followed by the Atos and Matrix models that were sold to 34,804 and 30,566 European customers.
In a statement Ike Oh, President of HME, explained Hyundai’s current situation in Europe: “Although our growth rate is lower in 2005 than it was in previous years we are still increasing our sales. Growth was mainly hampered by the ongoing juvenescence of our product portfolio, which is needed to continue acquiring more market share in the long run. While markets appreciate our new or face-lifted models, sales of some of the more traditional Hyundai models have been slow, especially in the past few months. We are confident that growth rates will again reach previous levels, once the model replacements have arrived next year and in 2007.”
In November 2005, Hyundai sold 28,035 units in Europe: 15,294 passenger cars, 11,621 recreational vehicles (SUV and MPV), and 1,120 LCV, a 1.6 per cent rise in comparison to November 2004 sales.
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 19.74 billion Euro in sales in 2004. Hyundai motor vehicles are sold in 193 countries through approximately 5000 dealerships and showrooms. Further information about Hyundai Motor Co. and its products is available on the Internet at http://www.hyundai-motor.com/.
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