Hyundai enjoyed an increase in sales and unveiled new models to continue its growth.
Hyundai Motor Company, the nation's largest automaker, saw 2009 sales rise 11.7% year on year (y-o-y) to 3,106,178 units (domestic plants: 1,611,991 units, overseas plants: 1,494,187 units) from a year earlier. Despite the 23% y-o-y sales improvement in its domestic market to 701,469 units and the Korean won's appreciation against the US dollar (15% gain) and the Euro (10.1% gain), Hyundai saw 2009 sales revenue slip by 1.0 % y-o-y to 31.859 trillion won on reduced export shipments from its Korean plants.
Net profit increased by 104.5% to 29.615 trillion won from a year earlier helped by brisk sales in China and India, which on a unit sales basis posted y-o-y gains of 93.6% and 14.4%, respectively. Aided by favorable exchange rates and the company's widely implemented cost-cutting efforts, operating profit also rose by 19.1 % to 22.350 trillion won despite higher marketing and dealer and brand development expenses which are considered necessary to secure future competitiveness.
Domestic sales recovered by 23.0% y-o-y thanks to the successful launch of new models, such as the Equus, Tucson ix and Sonata, while tax benefits were extended between May and December to new car buyers trading in vehicles that were ten years or older. Although export sales from the three Korean plants fell 17.1% to 910,522 units due to reduced demand in Russia, production of the i30 compact hatchback picked up pace at the newly opened manufacturing plant in Czech.
By region, Hyundai saw a rise in market share in developed countries such as the United States and the EU despite strong headwinds in those regions last year. In China, Hyundai registered an impressive 94% growth in sales, selling 570,300 units and becoming the 4th largest car company in the country.
In the meantime, Hyundai unveiled i-flow (HED-7) at the Geneva Motor Show. The i-flow, was joined on stage by other newcomers, including the facelifted i30 to be launched as i30U and a number of new, production-ready derivatives with CO2 emissions below 100g/km. Previewing a future D-segment contender from Hyundai, i-flow boasts sleek, elegant lines which not only create a bionic, futuristic shape, but also contribute to exceptional aerodynamics. The drag coefficient of 0.25Cd helps to reduce the car's CO2 output to just 85g/km and fuel consumption to only 3l/100km.
Hyundai's first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain is a key factor in delivering such an environmentally-conscious return. The exciting new U2 1,7-liter engine is augmented by two-stage turbo-charging and Hyundai's Lithium Ion-Polymer battery, to give a very efficient and advanced combination, partnered with a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The interior of i-flow redefines the perception of space in a sedan body style, and sees the application of next-generation materials and technologies developed in cooperation with leading chemical company BASF. Fundamental elements, such as the seats and center console, have been crafted in collaboration with BASF for minimal weight and volume. The cockpit's main interface centers around an expansive, contoured screen, which recognizes not only touch but also gestural inputs along its fascia-wide display.
The glossy 'Liquid Metal' finish developed by BASF Coatings adds to the visual impact of i-flow's exterior. Special-effect pigments in this eco-friendly waterborne coating give the surface a polished metal appearance, and highlight the sculptural character of the car. Entering mass production in March in 2010, the i30U takes over from the well-established i30, and incorporates a wide range of improvements in design, specification and competitiveness, as well as even cleaner powertrains. To complete the upgrade, i30U comes with the Hyundai 'Triple5' package, consisting of an enhanced five-year, bumper-to-bumper unlimited warranty, five years' roadside assistance, and an annual vehicle seasonal health check for five years. The package reflects the quality and reliability of the Europe-built i30 family and gives added peace of mind to consumers.