Hyundai Motors has sold a record 67,353 vehicles across the GCC and Levant during the first quarter of the year, marking a year-on-year increase of 5.9 per cent.

The all-new 2013 Santa Fe, launched towards the end of 2012, saw sales across the GCC and Levant countries up by some 42 per cent on the same period last year.

Offering a whole new class of luxury with its differentiated design, cutting-edge technologies and practical use of space, the new model has been well received in a region that appreciates a good SUV, even before the arrival of the seven-seater version later this year.

Hyundai’s range of small to mid-sized vehicles, the ‘i’ series, has also enjoyed strong growth, recording a 40 per cent increase throughout the Gulf and Levant region. This segment targets younger customers who are looking for stylish, well-equipped cars, which are both practical and cost-effective, and includes the i10, i20, i30 and i40 models.

The Centennial and Genesis, Hyundai’s premium models, continue to make strong inroads into the luxury car sector, boasting a combined 30 per cent increase in sales in the first quarter. The New 2014 Centennial flagship arrived in the Middle East in February and offers improved premium standards of comfort, technology and performance.

Sales of both of Hyundai’s sporty models, the Genesis Coupe and the innovative three door Veloster, which was named Best Hatchback at last year’s prestigious Middle East Motor Awards, doubled between January and February.

In the first quarter of 2013 the Elantra, with its reputation for being practical, spacious and modern, took top spot, with over 18,000 units sold.

Over the three months, Kuwait registered the largest growth with a 66.7 per cent overall increase in sales, followed by Bahrain which rose by 48 per cent.

Qatar grew by 22.5 per cent, Lebanon by 26.6 per cent increase and the UAE by 6.9 per cent. Saudi Arabia remains Hyundai’s number one market in the Middle East, and enjoyed healthy sales growth of 11.8 per cent to sell 36,214 cars in the first quarter of 2013.

Tom Lee, vice president, and Head of Hyundai Middle East HQ, said: “After three consecutive years of record sales, it is extremely positive to see that Middle East customers are still buying our products in such high numbers. This reflects their confidence and belief in our ‘Modern Premium’ brand direction and the quality and peace of mind that you get when buying any Hyundai.” – TradeArabia News Service