Hyundai Motor hit a new high in 2018 taking a record-breaking 3.8% share of the UK’s new car market. Registering 89,961 new vehicles in the year, the strong showing saw the brand out-perform the UK market propelled by Tucson volumes passing 27,000 units and a 45.2% growth in IONIQ registrations.
Hyundai saw its investment in low and ultra-low emission vehicle technologies pay off in 2018, with significant rises for IONIQ supported by the launch of the brand’s first fully-electric SUV – the KONA. The 279-mile range electric model made a strong start with 224 units registered, contributing to the brand’s 8,220 eco-model registrations in the UK over the past year.
While overall UK new car registrations contracted in 2018 (down 6.8%), Hyundai out-performed the market with 89,961 registrations over the 12-month period, a reduction of only 3.7%. In a challenging market, Hyundai reshaped its business model with a strategic, long-term focus to ensure stability and profitability in the years ahead.
Ashley Andrew, Hyundai UK Managing Director, said: “The UK car market is facing a host of challenges, so it is gratifying to see Hyundai secure its highest ever market share while achieving strong growth across our eco-model range. This year, we will focus on consolidating our position ahead of some significant new model arrivals in 2020.”
Last year, the Tucson was the brand’s best-selling model, registering 27,634 units in 2018. The top-performing eco-model was the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid, with 6,535 units registered, while the plug-in Hybrid IONIQ achieved the highest level of growth, rising 222.2% year-on-year.
