Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Hyundai to top 100 million global sales
Record sales will become possible in first half of 2016
By Park Jin-hai
Global sales of Hyundai Motor and its sibling Kia Motors are expected to top the 100 million mark in the first half of next year.
It will be a pivotal moment for the nation’s two largest carmakers, which began selling Korea-made cars in 1962.
Hyundai and Kia had sold 97.11 million vehicles as of November. Hyundai sold an accumulated 62.38 million, while Kia sold 34.73 million.
Given the average monthly global sales of 650,000, sales figure are expected to go beyond 100 million mark by March or April.
Kia began domestic sales earlier in 1962, followed by Hyundai in 1968. The exports started with Kia in 1975 and Hyundai in 1976.
The two achieved 10 million sales in 1993 and doubled this in 1999.
Since Hyundai Motor Group was launched in 2000, their growth momentum has soared.
After reaching 30 million sales in 2003 and 40 million in 2006, it has been adding 10 million almost one or two years.
It achieved 50 million in 2008, 60 million in 2010, 70 million in 2012 and 80 million in 2013, before reaching 90 million in January this year.
Out of the accumulated 97.11 million cars sold as of November, about 30 percent or 29.4 million has been sold in domestic market, while nearly 70 percent or 67.72 million sales were overseas.
The company’s overseas sales, which include exports to overseas markets and local supplies from its overseas plants, have been also forecast to reach 70 million during next year.
Overseas sales topped 10 million in 2001, 20 million in 2006, 50 million in 2013 and 60 million in 2014.
With 100 million sales, Hyundai is preparing to make a quantum jump next year.
Hyundai plans to launch the eco-friendly Ioniq compact in January and the Niro hybrid utility vehicle for Kia, competing with the Toyota Prius.
The company will challenge in the premium car market with the EQ900, globally named the G90, the first sedan under the recently launched Genesis luxury brand, competing against German luxury brands.
“Next year has been forecast to see further slow grow in the global auto industry,” a Hyundai spokesman said.
“We could become complacent with the 100 million sales mark, but instead we will work harder to raise our brand values and improve quality.”