Hyundai, currently considering a fourth assembly plant in China, has sold 6m cars in Europe since starting sales here in 1977.
The last 1m units were sold in just over two years, versus 19 years for the first million. Sales were boosted by such moves as regional infrastructure investments (eg the Czech Republic factory) and development of cars meeting local customer requirements, Business Standard reported.
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Allan Rushforth, COO at Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “Europe is one of the most demanding car markets in the world: it’s a strategic focus for Hyundai and an essential component of our global success, which is why we will continue to invest in the region.”
He added that in 2014, the company is “making qualitative enhancements in a number of areas, helping the company grow organically rather than pursuing market share gains at any cost”.
Over the coming four years, the carmaker is to introduce 22 new models and derivatives in the region as it targets a 5% market share by 2020, according to Business Standard. Most Hyundai cars sold in Europe come from its two ‘local’ factories in Turkey and the Czech Republic. Hyundai employed around 152,000 people in Europe in 2012, up 18% from 2011.
