For the ninth consecutive month Hyundai has increased sales in Europe and outperformed the market trend, according to the sales figures released yesterday by industry body ACEA. Growth of 31.9% in October gave Hyundai a total of 26.194 units. In the year-to-date, Hyundai has sold 287.381 units, which equates to growth of 24.2%, in a market which has shrunk by 5%.

Throughout the year Hyundai has improved its market share. By the end of October, the company had taken 2.4% of new car sales in Europe – a significant increase on the 1.8% achieved at the same point in 2008.

Hyundai’s small cars have led the way this year. Sales of i10 have doubled compared to the first 10 months of last year, hitting over 92.000 units so far. Meanwhile, the new i20 has played a key role in improving B-segment sales since it reached showrooms in the first quarter – Hyundai has posted growth of 28% in this class. The Europe-built i30 has seen success too, with volumes growing by 40% over the same period in 2008, achieving over 77,000 sales in hatchback and CW estate bodystyles.

“It is very rewarding to see the continued success of our efforts to grow market share this year,” said Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe. “While many in the industry have cut back on spending, we have been very aggressive in our marketing, and the results speak for themselves. Sales have increased considerably in our three biggest markets, with Germany up 37%, the UK 83% ahead of last year, and Italy achieving 65% growth.

“The market outlook for the rest of this year and into 2010 is still uncertain, but we are planning to consolidate our share of sales through innovative marketing and a number of new product launches, starting with the introduction of the all-new ix35 compact SUV,” he concluded.

Andy Portelli, Hyundai’s manager in Malta said that the results confirm the local trend, especially in the way the Hyundai i10, i20 and i30 have managed to become a popular demand and a significant presence on our streets.