By Park Jin-hai
Hyundai-Kia Motors’ cumulated sales in China topped 9 million for the first time since their entry into the market 12 years ago.
During the first nine months of this year, the two companies sold in China a combined 1.28 million, a 9.5 percent increase from 2013.
“Since we surpassed the 8 million sales mark in February, we have reached the 9 million, continuing the growth in the market,” said an official of the company.
It attributed the strong sales in the country to growing demand for compact cars and SUVs.
Among Hyundai cars, compact Avante MD (locally known as Langdong) has been the top-seller, with 179,139 being sold between January and September this year. Verna and Avante HD (locally known as Yuedong) followed at 175,742 and 103,915 each.
Sales of Hyundai’s SUVs ― Tucson ix (local name ix35) and Santa Fe also increased to 103,848 and 49,658 during the period.
Hyundai expect its Chinese sales will rise further, once their Chinese-market customized compact SUV ix25 hits the market this month, followed by the LF Sonata to be launched in the first half of next year.
Following the sales of K4 sedan freshly injected to the market, Kia aims to expand its market share in the small- and mid-sized sedan segment.
“Based on brand competiveness in China, we will endeavor to expand our market share as well as conducting various corporate social responsibility activities to be a global automaker,” said a Hyundai Motor official.