One Million Milestone for Hyundai Motor Company Australia

SYDNEY – July 27, 2012: Hyundai Motor Company Australia has sold its one-millionth new vehicle in Australia. The vehicle, an ix35, was registered at 5:01pm AEST at John Hughes in Perth – which internal records suggest was the exact same dealership which sold the very first new Hyundai in Australia, some 26 years ago.

“We’re delighted that that the millionth new Hyundai was sold in the same city where it all began back in 1986,” said Oliver Mann, Hyundai’s Marketing Director. “We will be sending our one millionth customer something special to share in our celebrations.”

Hyundai commenced its Australian operations through a single dealership in Perth in 1986, selling one single model. Since then, the company has grown quickly, passing the 500,000 mark in 2004. The brand’s growth accelerated following the establishment of Hyundai Motor Company Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, in 2003.

Australian sales of Hyundai peaked in 2011 at a record 87,008 units, equivalent to a market share of 8.6%, through a nationwide network of 150 dealers. The i30 has become the brand’s bestseller, with 28,869 units delivered last year – an achievement likely to be consolidated with the launch of the all-new i30 a couple of months ago.

Key vehicles for Hyundai in Australia include the Excel, for a short time Australia’s bestselling car, the evergreen Getz, which sold over 158,070 over its 9 year lifespan, and the original i30, which was named Carsguide Car of the Year and Australia’s Best Small Car three years in succession. However, the Hyundai range has expanded to include wagons, SUV’s and most recently an exciting coupe / hatch crossover in the daring shape of the new Veloster.

As well as being the fifth largest vehicle brand in Australia, the company is regarded as the fastest growing automotive brand in the world, with global sales of 4.09 million in 2011.

“The true significance of reaching one million sales in Australia is that so many astute local buyers have put their faith in the Hyundai brand when there is so much choice in the market.” said Mr Mann. “We thank them for their loyalty, and pledge to continue our efforts to provide them with superior quality and service.”

As part of its commitment to the Australian community the company has engaged in a series of high profile local partnerships, including Hyundai A-League football, Carlton FC and Brisbane Lions in AFL and the JB Were Masters golf tournament – as well as maintaining its sponsorship of Perth’s Hyundai Hopman Cup – a partnership which began back in 1988.

To celebrate the achievement of selling one million cars in Australia, Hyundai Motor Company Australia is hosting an event for its staff at its head offices in Sydney.