Hyundai Motor India Ltd has a reason to celebrate its feat – the production of 25lakh cars- as the year comes to an end. This includes export as well as domestic market and the unit behind this hallmark is at Sriperumpudur near Chennai. Hyundai began its production back 1998 with Santro, which brought imminent popularity and success to the company, that it has numbered to 15 lakhs so far. In the following year, 1999, Accent came to the fore and followed the suit – on par with Santro, in popularity, to be the only car to have a common direct injection.
Currently portfolio of Hyundai has 7 models among them i10 and i20 being the most prominent. i10 carries over the mantle from Santro for its largest sales figures- 5 lakh- since its launch two years ago. Hyundai has the credit as the small car hub with its small cars being made in India in addition to export market consisting 100 countries. The estimate reveals that out of 25 lakh units made in the Indian unit, 16 lakh were sold in the domestic market with the remaining 9 lakh being exported. Santro, i10, i20, Accent and Getz are the most preferred models for export.
This milestone is one among many feats achieved by Hyundai in the Indian market- creation of the unit at Chennai within 17 months, attaining the status as the second largest car manufacturer (after Maruti) with 150000 cars in just 25 months. The erection of the second plant with a capacity of 300000 units which takes the total to 600000 units per year. According to the company’s Sr VP, this makes them to feel proud to be the second and the fastest manufacturer in the country. The achievement is a combination of both domestic and the export market, thereby bringing laurels to the country, he said.
The 25 lakh mark is the clear example of people’s trust on the quality and performance of the units which ultimately ends up with reliability. Hyundai’s share in the current market is 20.5% and the dealership is in 202 cities along with 275 outlets. Last month’s cumulative sale was a whooping 55265 units. Hyundai has some proposals to increase its base in 125 countries as a bid to divert the export market.