The latest sales figures from automotive industry body ACEA reveal that Hyundai is, once again, the leading volume brand for sales growth in Europe this year. Published in the last week of December, ACEA’s report indicates a rise of 46.8 per cent in Hyundai sales in November (to 28.162 units), ahead of the market increase of 26.6 per cent. In the year-to-date, Hyundai has achieved growth of 26.1 per cent (to 315.655 units) while the market has declined by 2.8 per cent.
Strong results throughout the first 11 months of 2009 have pushed Hyundai’s market share up to 2.4 per cent in Europe, some way ahead of the 1.8 per cent secured by the company in the same period last year. The marque’s three biggest territories have all recorded exceptional growth in 2009: sales in the UK have doubled (up 100 per cent); Italy has seen an increase of 72 per cent; and in Germany Hyundai registrations are 27 per cent ahead.
Sales of the i-models have made a significant contribution to the firm’s performance. Over 100,000 examples of the A-segment i10 have been sold so far in 2009, representing an 88 per cent improvement over last year. The i20 has driven up Hyundai B-segment sales by 28 per cent. Further up the range, the popular i30 has seen a sales increase of 50 per cent across the hatchback and estate variants.
Commenting on the report, Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe, said, “By growing sales and rapidly increasing our share during a recession, we have created a very favourable situation for the Hyundai brand. The i-range has had an excellent year, attracting many European consumers to Hyundai for the first time. These new customers have been convinced by the quality, practicality and value of the i10, i20 and i30. Our job now is to ensure that they enjoy the Hyundai ownership experience, because they will become our ambassadors in the years to come. Keeping customers happy will give us solid foundations on which to further build European sales and to increase our market share in the medium term.”
To secure additional volume and consolidate the company’s European market share, Hyundai is now actively targeting an increase in fleet penetration – a strategy which is in line with the brand’s renewed commitment to respond to the fast-changing global auto industry. Hyundai has in fact signed a pan-European agreement with leasing company ALD Automotive to supply the brand’s cars in 21 territories, a two-year deal that starts from January 2010.
The terms of the relationship were finalised when Mr Ike Oh, President of Hyundai Motor Europe, met with Mr Pascal Serres, deputy CEO of ALD Automotive, to sign contracts.
“We are very pleased to have established a partnership with ALD Automotive,” said Mr Oh. “Without doubt one of Europe’s major leasing companies, ALD shares our passion for excellence in business. We are confident that this cooperation will be a catalyst for increasing Hyundai’s presence in the European fleet market.”
In 2009 Hyundai has achieved strong growth in Europe, and total market share has risen from 1.8 per cent to 2.4 per cent.
Fleet prospects have been enhanced by recent improvements in residual values for Hyundai models, together with very competitive figures for total cost of ownership (TCO).
In 2010 the launch of the all-new ix35 compact SUV will be followed by an intensive period of product renewal, when nine new models and derivatives will be introduced within 13 months. This activity is expected to further boost Hyundai’s brand awareness and sales in the fleet sector.