Hyundai’s cumulative exports to Africa reach One Million mark

(Seoul, Korea)  Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, reached the milestone of one million exports to Africa, June 23, 2009.

With the latest shipment of Elantra models bound for Egypt at the Ulsan port, Hyundai’s total exports to Africa reached one million units. Hyundai achieved this feat in 33 years following the first export of 26 Pony units, its first own model, to Liberia in 1976.

It took Hyundai 29 years to pass the 500,000 export milestone, reached in 2005. However, Hyundai realized the second half million in just 4 years, testament to Hyundai’s rapid growth in Africa.

Major importing countries in the region that contributed to the record sales include Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco and Nigeria. In Egypt especially, Hyundai sold 53,153 units and proudly sits as the No.1 brand (26.4% market share).

Meanwhile, to strengthen its marketing potential in the region, Hyundai opened its Africa Regional Office in Cairo, Egypt in November 2008.

Also, Hyundai, an official partner of FIFA, earlier this month provided a fleet of official cars to the local organizing committee of the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009, which started on June 14th.

By providing these official cars for the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009, Hyundai expects to promote its image for excellence in performance and quality as well as advertising the brand through billboards and large electronic signs displayed at the participating soccer stadiums.

Source: AHU – David A-O