According to figures released by European motor industry body ACEA, Hyundai has now outperformed the European market trend for 40 consecutive months since January 2009.

In April, sales of Hyundai’s three made-in-Europe models accounted for 61.4% of total sales – with each model achieving significant gains.  The models, all built at Hyundai’s plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic, are i30 (9,565 units, up 5%), ix35 (8,333, up 28%) and ix20 (4,184, up 10%).  Sales of the i20 recorded 19% growth (up to 6,060 units) – while the i10 also performed well with sales up 3% to 5,381 units.

During the first four months of 2012, the ix35 compact SUV has performed particularly well, with sales of 31,398 units representing 21% growth and putting it close to the top-selling i30’s 31,453 units.

Hyundai’s total sales in Europe from January to April increased by 9.7% compared to the same period 12 months ago, to a total of 150,666 units – equivalent to a 3.4% market share.  In contrast, the overall European new car market declined by 7.1% during this period.

Allan Rushforth (Inset), senior vice president and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: 'Our sales performance so far this year confirms the success of our strategy to design, engineer and manufacture vehicles in Europe specifically for sale to European consumers. 

'With another Europe-made car, the New Generation i30, now on sale and more new models, such as the i30 wagon, Veloster Turbo and new Santa Fe coming to showrooms soon, we are confident of achieving our market share goal of 3.5% by the end of 2012,' he added.

Like all new Hyundai models sold in Europe, the New Generation i30 is offered with Five Year Triple Care, Hyundai’s award-winning customer care package that includes a five-year warranty with no mileage limit, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.