New figures from Europe’s automotive industry body, the ACEA show Hyundai has maintained its market share during the first quarter of 2013 at 3.5%, up from 3.4% achieved in the first quarter of 2012.  While total industry volume fell by 9.7% during the three-month period, Hyundai registrations decreased marginally by 4.7% to 109,693.

Allan Rushforth, senior vice president and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: ‘Ongoing difficulties have led to lower-than-expected industry sales during the first three months. We anticipate this trend will continue through the second quarter, before an improvement in consumer confidence helps to push up sales in the second half of 2013.

‘No company is immune to the challenges currently facing the industry, so we're pleased to have maintained our momentum during the opening quarter. We anticipate our market share will fluctuate each month, and our objective is to maintain the 3.5% market share we achieved in 2012.’

The company says it’s grown its reputation for designing, engineering and making cars in Europe that appeal to customers on design, quality, fuel-efficiency and all-round value. The new ix35, unveiled at Geneva Motor Show last month, is the latest vehicle to reflect Hyundai's strategy of developing cars specifically for consumers in the region.