Hyundai record year in NZ

3 January 2007

Hyundai record year in NZ

The stellar rise of Hyundai continues in New Zealand, with the brand notching up a record year as its sales rose 12 percent.

While the nationwide new car market shrank two percent, the South Korean make thrived: Hyundai is now the third biggest seller of SUVs in this country, closing in on Toyota and Ford, its heavily-awarded new Santa Fe and popular Tucson leading the way.

And with models like Getz, Accent, Elantra and Sonata, its car range continues to attract new Kiwi owners.

While some major brands have struggled in New Zealand and worldwide, especially those dependant on large cars, Hyundai sold just over 4,000 cars and SUVs to Kiwis in the year just ended.

"That goes past our best-ever year back in the 1990s when the majority of our sales were based around one station wagon as an economical commercial vehicle and the ever-popular H100 van," commented the General Manager Operations of Hyundai Automotive NZ, Howard Spencer.

"We now have none of those in our range, and we have been very effective in spreading our sales.

"A great and balanced sales mix with no reliance on one or two models or fleet deals for our success has seen sales almost quadruple in the past four years alone, during which time the average retail price has increased more than 30 percent."

"That says a lot about New Zealanders recognition of the quality, innovation and safety of today's Hyundai cars and SUVs, as well as Hyundai's value for money."

Mr. Spencer reports that in the Taupo region, Hyundai dealer of the year Wings and Wheels claimed a massive 40 percent of local market share.

"That's incredible from start-up just two years ago, as Rick Cooper and his team help meet the region's appetite for the brand ... and it's reflected in cities and rural areas all around New Zealand.

"Our growth echoes a worldwide trend for Hyundai, although we are running ahead in several areas, especially sales of large cars and SUVs," said Mr. Spencer.

Hyundai's international sales rose by 5.1 percent in 2006 to 2.5 million vehicles, and the brand plans almost 10 percent more again this year.

Hyundai has targeted customer satisfaction as its 2007 keynote, part of the brand's overall aim to become the global quality leader.

The top-selling models worldwide in 2006 were Elantra, Sonata, Tucson and Accent.

ENDS

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