Hyundai charges up SUV popularity polls

7 March 2006
Immediate Release

Hyundai charges up SUV popularity polls

Hyundai is rapidly increasing its share of New Zealand’s growing SUV market.

Figures released for registrations in the SUV segment reveal the total segment has grown by 21 percent to 15,443 units for the 12 months to December 2005.

Leading the charge up the sales chart is Hyundai with its Tucson, Terracan and Santa Fe models. Hyundai Tucson was the fifth largest selling model in the SUV segment in 2005, selling 773 units, while Terracan jumped from selling 173 units in 2004 to sell 346 units in 2005.

Combined model sales take the company’s share of the SUV market from 5.3 percent in 2004 to almost double at 9.6 percent in 2005. The gain has made the company the third largest brand in the segment, ahead of Mitsubishi, Honda and Subaru.

Philip Eustace, managing director of Hyundai New Zealand said the three SUV models had proved outstandingly successful for the company, with customers quickly recognising the excellent value proposition they offer. And there is more to come with the new model Santa Fe on sale at the beginning of May, 2005.

The reputation Hyundai is establishing for build quality and value has been globally recognised in the company’s award winning Sonata mid-sized sedan. This also extends to the SUV range, said Mr Eustace.

In 2005 the US based Total Quality Index survey confirmed the Hyundai Tucson as the world’s highest quality small SUV. The results come from polling a massive 40,000 buyers of various models throughout the USA.

The prestigious J D Power and Associates survey of vehicle quality also rated the Tucson as runner up in the Entry Sports Utility Vehicle segment in 2005.

Reporting only 99 problems per 100 vehicles, the Tucson was 30 percent below the industry average of 151 problems per new vehicle.

The same survey rated Hyundai Sonata one of the top three most reliable mid sized cars in the world for 2005.

Mr Eustace said recognition by companies like J.D Power was translating very quickly into strong sales for all models.

“For many people buying a new car is the second largest commitment they will ever make. People are now more informed than ever, with access to the internet and international surveys based on far larger markets than New Zealand’s.

It becomes very difficult for brands to hide behind false claims and glossy advertisements, and many Kiwis have recognised the intrinsic value of Hyundai vehicles, backed with overseas results.”

ENDS

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