Hyundai Motor Europe (HME) finished the first quarter of 2004 with a historic high of 81,926 units sold for year-on-year growth of 18%.


Because major markets show signs of recovery and an improving economic climate, HME has adjusted its forecast for 2004 from 330,000 to 350,000 units.


A spokesman said March was a record month for the Korean brand with European sales of 34,613 units.


Top selling model during the first quarter was the Getz supermini with 26,100 units (up 38.6% year-on-year), followed by the Matrix minivan (10,300 units, up 28%) and the Santa Fe SUV (11,500 units (up 11.8%).