There’s no point in arguing the merits of one particular brand or model if the market isn’t agreeing, and while some might find this hard to take, Korean automakers are rising to the occasion and adapting better to the changing global conditions. Hyundai and Kia combined sell more cars than the Europenas put together when it comes to the US market, and Hyundai alone outsells VW by a factor of three to one there.
Of course, there’s plenty to do in the US for Hyundai, like eyeing the Japanese market share, but the Koreans have switched some of their attention to Europe, as Bloomberg reports.
“It’s very important for Hyundai to be successful” in Europe, said Allan Rushforth, Hyundai’s chief operating officer for the region. “Europe is a top priority because it affects how the company is perceived elsewhere.”
Hyundai has double its sales in Europe from 2004, thanks to lower prices, decent design and those warranties they offer. Now, they expect a further 25% increase to 500,000 by 2013, helped by the i40 sedan and wagon, the Veloster sports coupe-hatch, the all-new i30, as well as the upcoming ix45 crossover.
Volkswagen meanwhile only managed 60 percent growth in the same period. We’re not suggesting that Hyundai’s build quality is the same level as VW’s, but with the most severe crisis in several decades looming, will it really matter if the price is right?
Kia also looks set to have a stellar year in Europe, as the all-important cee’d hatch looks interesting enough to take home some serious C-Segment sales.
“It’s very important for Hyundai to be successful” in Europe, said Allan Rushforth, Hyundai’s chief operating officer for the region. “Europe is a top priority because it affects how the company is perceived elsewhere.”
Hyundai has double its sales in Europe from 2004, thanks to lower prices, decent design and those warranties they offer. Now, they expect a further 25% increase to 500,000 by 2013, helped by the i40 sedan and wagon, the Veloster sports coupe-hatch, the all-new i30, as well as the upcoming ix45 crossover.
Volkswagen meanwhile only managed 60 percent growth in the same period. We’re not suggesting that Hyundai’s build quality is the same level as VW’s, but with the most severe crisis in several decades looming, will it really matter if the price is right?
Kia also looks set to have a stellar year in Europe, as the all-important cee’d hatch looks interesting enough to take home some serious C-Segment sales.
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