The carmaker says it took the company 19 years to sell its first million cars in the region. Since then it has taken less time to reach each subsequent milestone, with the latest one million cars sold in just over two years.

The sales growth comes as Hyundai invests in its local infrastructure, as part of its strategy to build cars specifically to meet European customer needs. The brand has invested more than €3bn in this infrastructure, including manufacturing, R&D and motor sport facilities.

As a result, 95% of all cars Hyundai sells in Europe are designed and developed at the company’s European Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany and 90% are built in the region at the company’s two production plants – in the Czech Republic and Turkey.

Allan Rushforth, senior vice president and COO at Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: ‘Europe is one of the most demanding car markets in the world: it’s a strategic focus for Hyundai and an essential component of our global success, which is why we will continue to invest in the region.’

‘In 2014, we are making qualitative enhancements in a number of areas, helping the company grow organically rather than pursuing market share gains at any cost. This will lay the foundations for a new growth period from the middle of the decade,’ Rushforth added.

The carmaker said it will launch 22 new models and derivatives in Europe during the next four years under the title “Product Momentum 2017”, driving the company’s aim to achieve 5% market share by 2020.