HARI sales up 13% in Jan

MANILA, Philippines - The official local distributor of Hyundai vehicles saw its sales rise by 13 percent in January from a year ago supported by demand for both the passenger car (PC) and light commercial vehicle (LCV) lineup.

HARI said in a statement yesterday it sold 2,243 units in January, up from 1,992 units in the same month last year.

The PC segment grew 17 percent to 1,447 units in January compared to the 1,236 units in the same month a year ago.

The company noted that the PC segment’s kick-start was headed by the Eon, with its sales growing by a remarkable 232 percent year-on-year.

LCV sales were also up by five percent to 796 units in January compared to the 756 units in the same month in 2013.

The positive performance of the LCV was supported by the timely arrival of Hyundai’s forefront models: Grand Starex, Santa Fe and H-100.

Last year, HARI experienced supply problems providing only 70 to 80 percent of the local demand.

This, as Hyundai vehicles are imported from South Korea.

With a good start, HARI president and chief executive officer Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said the firm is optimistic total sales would grow this year.

“2014 presents a new opportunity for Hyundai to grow fonder in the hearts of Filipinos. A combination of more steady supply and the introduction of Hyundai’s newest global models bode well for a stellar year for the brand,” she said.

Earlier, she said the company is aiming for a 10 percent growth in sales this year as it launches four new vehicle models and expands its dealerships to hit 46 by yearend.

HARI sold a total of 22,033 units last year.