Hyundai New Zealand expanding on the back of a record year
Hyundai New Zealand finished 2009 with positive results in what was a tough year for the new car market. Results here in New Zealand saw the brand sell 5,042 units, an increase of 6.7 per cent in a year that saw the overall new car market in New Zealand retract by a staggering 28 per cent.
To close off the year for the first time in history the Korean brand broke the 5,000 unit mark. The result sees the marquee climb to 5th place in the passenger vehicle market up two places from 7th in 2008, with an 8.55 per cent market share or 4652 units, and a 5th placing in total market with a 7.2 percent share.
The month of December saw Hyundai roll out 2009 on a high, finishing 3rd for the month in the passenger vehicle market, selling 472 vehicles, and placing them ahead of the likes of Holden and Ford.
Another coup for the brand was seeing the newly launched Santa Fe ‘Family Wagon’ become the most popular SUV for the month of December.
Globally, Hyundai which is South Korea’s largest automaker and part of the world’s fifth largest auto manufacturer recorded an 11.6 per cent increase in its 2009 sales, achieving growth in multiple markets across the world. 2009 saw Hyundai sell 3,106,762 units compared to 2,783,052 in 2008.
"Last year certainly was a tough year for the car market, but to see growth for Hyundai globally and here at home has been a big boost to the brand.
What’s more, the results came on the back of a year that saw no fresh product launched until late in 2009 with the Santa Fe. 2010 will look even more promising with four new product launches starting with the highly anticipated ix35," says Hyundai National Sales Manager, Tom Ruddenklau.
Gearing up for 2010, Hyundai New Zealand won’t be slowing down anytime soon. While other car companies are scaling back, Hyundai New Zealand is expanding.
The New Zealand owned business is preparing for further growth by launching a nationwide recruitment drive. The drive is supported by a highly public media campaign aiming to attract the best people to the brand to continue the outstanding sales performance.
Ruddenklau finished off with:
"2009 was Hyundai’s most successful year yet; selling more vehicles in New Zealand than it ever has before in its 28 year history.
That’s why, as the campaign says, from Northland to Invercargill; from mechanics to service managers to sales people every single Hyundai dealership is looking for more people.
We’re committed to having the best people to give the best service and care for our Hyundai customers, working in the business, working for Hyundai."