New figures from Europe’s automotive industry body ACEA show Hyundai has maintained its market share during the first quarter of 2013 at 3.5 per cent.

It is up from 3.4 per cent achieved in the first quarter of 2012.  While total industry volume fell by 9.7 per cent during the three-month period, Hyundai registrations decreased marginally by 4.7 per cent to 109,693.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: “Ongoing difficulties have led to lower-than-expected industry sales during the first three months.”

European new car market share growth for Hyundai in Q1

Hyundai anticipates the trend will continue through the second quarter, before an improvement in consumer confidence helps to push up sales in the second half of 2013.

“No company is immune to the challenges currently facing the industry, so we’re pleased to have maintained our momentum during the opening quarter.  We anticipate our market share will fluctuate each month, and our objective is to maintain the 3.5 per cent market share we achieved in 2012.”

Hyundai has grown its reputation for designing, engineering and making cars in Europe. Among the new ‘made for Europe’ models joining the Hyundai product portfolio this year is the New ix35, unveiled at Geneva Motor Show last month.  

The newcomer brings upgrades in powertrain, efficiency and technology to the company’s best-selling SUV.  Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, it is the latest new vehicle to reflect Hyundai’s strategy of developing cars specifically for consumers in the region.