Hyundai sees upward sales growth this year

As a powerful challenger in the country's competitive auto industry that has been dominated by Japanese players, Korean car manufacturer Hyundai is optimistic to maintain its unprecedented growth and increasing sales performance this year.

By consistently ranking fourth place among its competitors in the domestic automotive industry, Hyundai already launched its first quarter storm this year, revealed Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official Philippine distributor of Hyundai automobiles in a press statement.

Averaging 8.2 percent to 8.8 percent of market share with the total industry sales record of 2,369 units, based on Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers in the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), Hyundai's reliability continued to stand out.

And in line with the continuing appreciation of its industry ratings, countless number of motorists have put their confidence in Hyundai.

Among which are three of the most sought after and well respected executives from different corporate fields.

One of which is GMA Marketing and Productions president Manuel Quiogue who certified his attraction with Hyundai's most premium and most expensive sports utility vehicle, the Veracruz that is equipped with a CRDi E-VGT power plant which he considers his P2.7 million workhorse.

"I think its really worth it. Among expensive SUVs available in the market today, it gives you the best value for money in terms of power, quiet ride, spaciousness and fuel economy. People may be surprised that it's expensive but when you own and use it, you'll realize that it gives you more than what you expect," he said.

Meanwhile, general manager of advertising agency Black Pencil and president of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies for the Philippines Mila Marquez shared her impressions with Hyundai's Santa Fe, which now reigns as C!Magazine's Editor's Pick int the compact, 7-seater SUV category.

"The brand really delivered. It's very stylish and a very good ride every time," she said.

The growth of Hyundai in this year's first half is largely attributed by HARI's continued upswing in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment  made the company consistently remain at the second top spot from the first two months of this year with a total sales of 1,465 units. – Rhia de Pablo