Despite supply setback LCV’s boost Hyundai sales 17% in June

MANILA, Philippines - Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, continued on its recent sales trajectory as it grew by 1 percent in June 2013, bringing its tally to 1,726 units sold versus 1,708 the previous month.

The Filipino consumers’ penchant for SUVs was clearly highlighted in June as Hyundai’s Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) fueled the brand’s performance, rising by 17 percent over the month prior. Though still plagued by supply limitations, the ever-popular Grand Starex netted a 28-percent increase month-on-month, while the resilient Tucson proved its staying power as top-of-mind compact SUV with a 38 percent growth over May of this year.

The growth of passenger cars (PC) was tempered by supply constraints, particularly in the C segment, with the highly regarded Elantra. As such, month-on-month performance in the PC category fell by 7 percent over May 2013, further contributing to the brand’s overall 14 percent year-to-date (YTD) decline through June of this year.

Despite these setbacks, testament to Hyundai’s growing popularity in the country is the Genesis Coupe sports car, which saw its numbers increase by a staggering 322 percent in the first six months of 2013 versus the same period in 2012. The Eon subcompact too, held its own through June of this year, growing by 11 percent through the midway point of the year. Completing the trifecta was the all-new Storm Edge Santa Fe, whose efficient yet luxurious proposition moves it ahead by 169 percent YTD.

“Despite the brand’s short-term supply setback, Hyundai will accelerate efforts to further bring our brand promise of quality to life for each and every Filipino consumer and enable all to Live Brilliant,” said Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI President and CEO.