Oliver Lajara, Hyundai Europe New Fleet Manager

The European division of South Korean manufacturer Hyundai announced today it has appointed Oliver Lajara as the branch's fleet and remarketing deputy general manager. Lajara will at first be in charge with appointing new people in his department, as well as developing new processes for Hyundai fleet sales to expand.

“Hyundai’s ambition to grow its share of the fleet market is supported by a strong product line-up developed specifically for European customers,” Lajara said when announcing the appointment. "The current i-range cars – the A-segment i10, B-segment i20 and C-segment i30 – meet the requirements of fleets looking for exceptional fuel economy figures and low CO2 emissions."

Lajara comes to Hyundai from intelligence provider EurotaxSchwacke, where he worked as head of field sales. He was also a manager for Enterprise Rent-a-Car and Sixt AG.

Hyundai achieved in 2008 increased fleet sales of up to 33 percent, selling some 90,000 vehicles across the continent. The manufacturer says there is room for more, especially in the C-segment for the European countries. The main tool to achieve an increased fleet penetration is to reorganize the sales organization.

"These vehicles have also received positive appraisals from residual value experts. For example, EurotaxGlass’s has just confirmed that the Hyundai i30 will exceed the residual value average in the C-segment after three years and 30,000 km. Soon we will launch a number of important new products – including larger models and niche vehicles – that will further increase the appeal of the Hyundai brand amongst fleet buyers,” Lajara concluded.