Hyundai Reaches 5 Million Sales in Europe

South Korean carmaker Hyundai announced it has sold five million vehicles in Europe since the first Hyundai Pony was imported in 1977. The five millionth vehicle was an i30, which was launched in 2007 and has sold a little over 320,000 units on the continent. From the five million sales, the last million was achieved in just three years, a proof of Hyundai's accelerated growth in Europe.

The first million sales mark was reached in 1996, nineteen years after the brand's introduction to Europe. The second million mark was achieved in 2001, with the brand hitting three million sales in 2005 and four million in 2008.

The Korean automaker gained momentum with the introduction of the “i” range, starting with the i30 in 2007, the first Hyundai product designed and engineered for European customers. Built at the company first European plant at Nošovice, Czech Republic, the i30 was followed by the i10, i20, the ix20 compact MPV and the ix35 crossover.

“Hitting five million sales is a wonderful achievement for Hyundai, and it marks us out as a major player in what is the world’s most competitive car market. But this is just the beginning for the brand. We are planning for further sales growth during 2011, to take us to 3% market share in Europe,” said Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe.

In order to achieve these ambitious targets, Hyundai will increase the output of its Czech plant to 300,000 units a year, with the company also counting on the success of the all-new i40 sedan and wagon, set to launch in Europe during the last quarter of 2011.

By Dan Mihalascu

• Hyundai milestones in Europe:
• 1977: First Hyundai imported into Europe
• 1996: One Hyundai millionth car sold in Europe
• 2000: Hyundai Motor Europe GmbH established
• 2004: Opening of R&D and Design Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany
• 2006: Opening of Hyundai Motor Europe in Offenbach, Germany
• 2008: Opening of first European Production plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic
• 2011: Hyundai launches new brand slogan “New Thinking. New Possibilities.”
• Hyundai’s top five european markets by sales volume since 1977 have been:
• Germany: 714,260 units
• UK: 661,328 units
• Italy: 633,670 units
• Spain: 550,401 units
• Netherlands: 365,207 units

PHOTO GALLERY

Hyundai i10 and i20 Designed by Italian Fashion House Fiorucci

Not to be outdone by the likes of Fiat and its range of fashion house designed special edition models, Hyundai's Italian arm partnered with Milanese fashion brand Fiorucci to create a special series of models based on the i10 city car and the larger i20 supermini.

Both the i10 and i20 by Fiorucci models are characterized by the unique color combos inside and out as well as their upgraded standard equipment and the use of exclusive materials in the cabin.

The most vibrant proposal is the i10 by Fiorucci. It is available with a choice of five colors including Deep Ocean Blue, Oyster Gray, Sleek Silver, Stone Black or Crystal White, with details such as the mirror caps and grille finished in either Fuscia (pink) or Verde Lime (lime green).

The two tone theme is repeated inside on the seat upholstery, dashboard trim, door panels, the unique gearshift knob and floor mats.

Added features include the retractable softop and a Park Assist system with a 4.5 inch monitor on the central mirror that's connected to the rear camera. The i10 by Fiorucci is powered by a 66HP 1.1-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with prices starting from €10,990.

For the more serious fashionistas, Hyundai offers the larger i20 by Fiorucci. Italian buyers can choose from four different colors (Crystal White, Blue Spark, Dark Grey, Sleek Silver and Black Diamond). All exterior details are finished in a matte black color.

Fiorucci upgraded the i20's interior with unique materials and a black and orange two-tone theme. The special edition i20 also gets two glass sunroofs and the same Park Assist system found in its smaller sibling. The only available engine option is a 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit with 78 ponies. Prices in Italy start from €14,990.

____________________________HYUNDAI i10____________________________

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____________________________HYUNDAI i20____________________________

Hyundai i10 and i20 Designed by Italian Fashion House Fiorucci

Not to be outdone by the likes of Fiat and its range of fashion house designed special edition models, Hyundai's Italian arm partnered with Milanese fashion brand Fiorucci to create a special series of models based on the i10 city car and the larger i20 supermini.

Both the i10 and i20 by Fiorucci models are characterized by the unique color combos inside and out as well as their upgraded standard equipment and the use of exclusive materials in the cabin.

The most vibrant proposal is the i10 by Fiorucci. It is available with a choice of five colors including Deep Ocean Blue, Oyster Gray, Sleek Silver, Stone Black or Crystal White, with details such as the mirror caps and grille finished in either Fuscia (pink) or Verde Lime (lime green).

The two tone theme is repeated inside on the seat upholstery, dashboard trim, door panels, the unique gearshift knob and floor mats.

Added features include the retractable softop and a Park Assist system with a 4.5 inch monitor on the central mirror that's connected to the rear camera. The i10 by Fiorucci is powered by a 66HP 1.1-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with prices starting from €10,990.

For the more serious fashionistas, Hyundai offers the larger i20 by Fiorucci. Italian buyers can choose from four different colors (Crystal White, Blue Spark, Dark Grey, Sleek Silver and Black Diamond). All exterior details are finished in a matte black color.

Fiorucci upgraded the i20's interior with unique materials and a black and orange two-tone theme. The special edition i20 also gets two glass sunroofs and the same Park Assist system found in its smaller sibling. The only available engine option is a 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit with 78 ponies. Prices in Italy start from €14,990.

____________________________HYUNDAI i10____________________________

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____________________________HYUNDAI i20____________________________