HYUNDAI Motor Company, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing automakers, logged its best ever first half year sales for the full Middle East region. The company registered an increase of 13 percent in total sales compared to the first six months of 2011, selling 161,554 vehicles. Hyundai enjoyed increased sales in almost all of the GCC and Levant countries, with Kuwait leading the way with impressive growth of 127 percent. The Accent, the company's ever popular midsized sedan, continues to be Hyundai's biggest selling model across these countries, with sales up 76 percent with 35,143 units being sold. Bahrain experienced a massive 99 percent increase in sales, while the UAE saw sales shoot up by 77 percent, Qatar by 60 percent and Oman by 48 percent. With 56,118 cars leaving the showroom so far this year, Saudi Arabia remains Hyundai's biggest market in the region, recording a 16 percent leap in sales. Among the Levant countries, Lebanon and Jordan also enjoyed strong starts to the year with sales up 32 percent and 31 percent respectively. Among the models leading the charge for Hyundai are those that make up the company's luxury car line-up – the Centennial and Genesis - which have experience a combined 60 percent increase in sales. Sales of the Genesis Saloon have risen by 44 percent, while Hyundai's flagship model, the Centennial registered staggering growth of 312 percent, proving that Hyundai can successfully compete in the luxury car segment. Across the board, Middle East customers are buying Hyundai cars in unprecedented numbers. The company's trio of SUV models - the Tucson, Santa Fe and Vera Cruz - experienced a 63 percent rise in sales across the GCC and Levant, while Hyundai's new 'i' generation of cars, the i10, i20, i30 and i40, saw a combined sales increase of 118 percent. The biggest selling model after the Accent, was another of Hyundai's midsized cars, the Azera, which recorded a growth rate of 132 percent. Tom Lee, Head of Hyundai Middle East's Regional Headquarters, said: "The levels of quality, reliability and desirability of Hyundai cars have never been so high, and these extremely positive figures reflect the consumer confidence in our brand. Right across the range, whether it be our premium line-up, our SUV models, or our practical saloon cars, Middle East customers continue to choose Hyundai in ever-increasing numbers." – SG
