UK SALES YEAR END - Hyundai, with its youngest range, increases sales by 7.5% last year.

• Total vehicle sales increase 7.5 percent year-on-year
• Retail registrations grow to 41,164 units, fleet to 46,953 units
• Affirms Hyundai’s position as one of the UK’s top 10 car manufacturers

Hyundai Motor UK today announced that in 2015 it sold 88,257 vehicles, a year-on-year rise of 7.5 percent and the highest total in Hyundai’s 33 years of vehicle sales in the UK and in 10 years as a wholly-owned subsidiary.  2015 also saw Hyundai Motor reach the milestone of one million vehicles sold in the UK.

Underpinning this outstanding result was strong growth across both the retail and fleet markets, attributed to a growing demand for the company’s expanding range of vehicles, many of which were all-new or refreshed in 2015. Hyundai’s retail sales grew by 4.0 percent, while fleet sales grew 10.7 percent.

Hyundai Motor UK’s 7.5 percent year-on-year growth in 2015 outpaced the wider UK new car market (up 6.3 percent), underlining the strength of the Korean brand’s youngest-ever model line-up and its expanding UK dealer network. The company’s evolving brand proposition has also attracted interest from more current and potential customers, helping to drive a record 8.5 million visits to its website last year.

Accounting for almost a quarter of Hyundai’s total sales, the marque’s most popular model of 2015 was the i10 city car, which offers an award-winning and compelling package of design, space, technology, efficiency and safety. The New i30 hatchback attracted a surge in full-year sales of 38.1 percent, finishing 2015 as the company’s most popular model with fleet customers. The All-New Tucson quickly became Hyundai’s fastest-selling car following its launch in early September, aided by its combination of striking design and outstanding space, comfort and safety. Sales of Hyundai’s luxury saloon, Genesis, also continued to grow in its first full year of sales.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “2015 was a very significant year for Hyundai Motor UK, with both retail and fleet areas performing very strongly. This performance demonstrates the broad appeal of Hyundai’s youngest-ever model line-up, and provides the basis for sustainable growth into 2016. To be able to deliver a record registrations total as well as reaching the milestone of one million vehicles in our tenth year as a UK subsidiary is something the whole team can be very proud of.”

In 2015, Hyundai Motor UK launched the New Generation i20, the New i30, the New i40 Tourer and the All-New Tucson. For 2016, Hyundai will continue to strengthen the line-up, including models from the exciting high performance N sub-brand.

New way of buying cars at Rockar Hyundai sees it's 100,000th visitor this week at Bluewater, Kent.

• New generation of car retail experience proves a hit with consumers
• 100,000 people have visited Rockar Hyundai store in Kent’s Bluewater Shopping Centre
• Rockar.com has received 78,000 visitors since the website launched

This week digital car retailer ‘Rockar Hyundai’ will celebrate the 100,000th visitor to its flagship store in Kent’s Bluewater Shopping Centre since opening its doors just six months ago. Because of its unique location, Rockar Hyundai’s store can have more visitors on a single Saturday than many traditional dealerships would expect to see in a whole year. 

The www.rockar.com website has also received 78,000 web visitors since it was launched in November 2014.

Last year, the new car industry rose to a ten-year high with 2.47 million new cars registered. This factor combined with Hyundai’s partnership with Rockar has meant the business is seeing success early on.

Rockar Hyundai represents a completely new way of engaging with people and for them to buy a car. Unusually, customers can choose to complete the entire process online or in store. Rockar provides shoppers with a truly customer-focused experience that allows them to research, test-drive, sell their old car and purchase a new Hyundai all at the touch of a button. 

Rockar’s pricing policy is always transparent and competitive, which appeals to people who don’t want to negotiate for the best deal, and the entire buying process can be completed in less than five minutes.

For those customers who want advice before they purchase, Rockar Hyundai’s in-store team of ‘Angels’ are there to help. These are not salespeople on commission, they are product experts there to advise and lend a helping hand - should customers need one.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, said: “We are delighted that Rockar Hyundai has experienced such a successful start.This innovative retail proposition is challenging the existing automotive retail modelbecause it is taking the product to where the customer is. 

It’s raising brand awareness and importantly interrupting people who are not shopping at Bluewater with the intention of buying a new car.”

Simon Dixon, CEO and founder of Rockar, said: “Rockar is challenging every preconception about how buying and selling a car should be. 

The average age of a new car buyer is 56 years, but the average age of a Rockar customer is just 37. What’s also interesting is that on average 60 per cent of buyers, and 54 per cent of visitors to the Bluewater store, are female – Rockar’s key demographic. 

The brand conversion rate is impressive too, as 95 per cent of our customers have never owned a Hyundai before. When looking at the success of Rockar so far, it is clear that challenging the historical approach to car buying is the way forward.”

The successful new approach to car buying stretches to all aspects of the business, including the test drive. Rockar is putting convenience at the heart of its ‘YouDrive’ service, by allowing customers to book one of the 25 dedicated cars at the click of a button. 

For maximum convenience and availability, there is a section of Bluewater’s car park reserved for Rockar’s YouDrive service and customers can drive the car alone if they wish. With such ease, customers are comfortable booking multiple test drives, and those that do are then twice as likely to make a purchase. Approximately one third of test drives convert to purchase decisions.

UK MARCH SALES - HYUNDAI - More records tumble for Hyundai in March.

• March registrations hit record 16,491, Hyundai Motor UK’s best ever month
• UK was Hyundai’s largest European market in March
• i20 and ix35 achieve record volume

Hyundai has today reported its best ever month in the UK, with 16,491 registrations in March 2015. This represents another milestone for the company after achieving record volumes in 2014 with 82,159 registrations.

The 7.6% 2015 YTD growth and record March have been fueled by a surge of retail and fleet customers embracing the New Generation i20, with 3,590 registrations making it the vehicle’s best ever month. 

ix35, now in its run out year, also achieved its best month with 3,696 registrations, affirming its solid position in the C-SUV segment, while i10 achieved 5,262 registrations.

Speaking of the record month, Tony Whitehorn, President & CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, said: “The first 3 months of 2015 have seen Hyundai break multiple records in the UK, and in March our registrations outperformed every other European market. Hyundai Motor UK’s continued and sustainable growth is a testament to the wave of desirable new vehicles, including New Generation i20 which has already seen considerable success, backed by our commitment to putting customers at the centre of our business.

“With 80% of Hyundai’s product range either brand new or refreshed in 2015, we expect our growth to continue throughout the year.”

Just months into 2015, Hyundai has already introduced numerous new and updated vehicles to the range – New Generation i20, New Generation i20 Coupe, New ix20, New i30, New i30 Turbo and New i40 will all be on British roads by the end of the second quarter. Following its debut at Geneva Motor Show 2015, Hyundai will also introduce All-New Tucson later this year.

Today’s figures further support Hyundai’s growth strategy in the UK. The business has set a short-term goal of achieving 100,000 annual registrations with sales diversified across the company’s core models – 20,000 each of i10, i20, i30 and ix35/Tucson, with the final 20,000 models made up by the rest of the range. 

In addition, Hyundai Motor UK has set a medium-term goal of 5% market share and outlined a long-term vision to secure a Top 5 sales position among all car brands in the UK.

GENEVA - The ix20 from Hyundai gets a full makeover to build on predecessors huge success.

• All-round upgrade for Hyundai Motor’s most popular compact MPV
• New front and rear lamps, front grille and wheel design provide visual update
• New comfort features include heated steering wheel and latest audio system
• Generous dimensions yield one of the most spacious compact MPVs in Europe
• Great interior flexibility makes it a true multi-purpose vehicle
• More powerful petrol and higher torque diesel engines
• New six-speed automatic transmission  unit boosts fuel economy
• Comprehensive list of active and passive safety technologies
• Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe for European customers

Hyundai Motor’s New ix20 celebrates its world premiere at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and builds on all the qualities of the original model, with an enhanced engine line-up, new technologies and design refreshments to widen its appeal.

Since its initial launch in 2010, Hyundai has sold almost 200.000 units of ix20 – capturing a 9% share in the European multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market.

Raf van Nuffel, Head of Product Management at Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: “New ix20 retains the versatility and roominess of the original model, while refreshing its design and adding technological enhancements, increasing appeal to a wider range of buyers in Europe.”

Refreshed design and additional features

New ix20’s design stands out with newly-designed bi-function projector headlamps and LED rear combination lamps, a new hexagonal front grille – Hyundai’s brand signature. There are two versions on offer – a mesh- or bars-type with chrome finishing. To further enhance its dynamic exterior, there is a new 15-inch wheel cover design and new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel options.

Inside, New ix20 delivers the same space and versatility as before, with outstanding front seat room (head, shoulder and legroom). The 4115 mm long car’s unusually long wheelbase for its class (2615 mm) plus 1600 mm high roofline allows a spacious and practical interior, more typical of larger C-segment vehicles – an impression which can be enhanced by an optional tilt/slide dual-panel panoramic glass sunroof.

Apart from an impressive class-leading 440-litre boot (seats up) outstanding versatility comes from sliding ‘dive and fold’ rear seats allowing up to1486 litres’ luggage capacity. A heated steering wheel and a new generation audio system with iPod connectivity and integrated My Music (1GB storage) as well as Bluetooth connectivity and a USB and AUX connection further increases the comfort and pleasure in New ix20. Customers also benefit six airbags, ESP, ABS and EBD all fitted as standard.

Two interior colours (Black and Two-Tone Beige) with cloth upholstery will be offered. Nine exterior colours are available: One solid colour (Polar White), six metallic colours (Platinum Silver, Micron Grey, Ultimate Red, Ash Blue, Ara Blue, Ruby Wine) and two pearl colours (Phantom Black and Thunder Grey).

New six-speed automatic transmission and engine upgrades

To uphold New ix20’s class competitiveness, a new six-speed automatic transmission, as well as power and torque upgrades to the overall Euro6 emissions-compliant engine line-up brings even better drivability, with lower fuel consumption and emissions.

The two diesel engines have been enhanced to provide more torque – 240 Nm (1.4-litre) and 260 Nm (1.6-litre) – from just 1,500 rpm.

The Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol Hyundai ‘Gamma’ family units have both had efficiency boosted, with the 1.6-litre now available with a six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous four-speed unit and delivering improved real-world fuel economy.

All engines have been enhanced to offer improved driveability and fuel efficiency, as well as meeting Euro6 emission standards.

Engine line-up

Fuel	Engine	Power (PS)	Torque (Nm)	Transmission
Gasoline	Gamma 1.4	90 @ 6000 rpm	137 @ 5000 rpm	5-speed manual
	Gamma 1.6	125 @ 6300 rpm	156 @ 4200 rpm	6-speed manual
				6-speed automatic
Diesel	U-II 1.4	77 @ 4000 rpm	240 @ 1500~2000 rpm	6-speed manual
		90 @ 4000 rpm	240 @ 1500~2500 rpm
	U-II 1.6	115 @ 4000 rpm	260 @ 1500~2750 rpm	6-speed manual
		128 @ 4000 rpm	260  @ 1500~3000 rpm

Fuel Saving Technologies

To optimise its environmental performance, New ix20 Blue Drive features Integrated Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling-resistance tyres, an alternator management system (AMS) and a drag-reducing ‘active air flap’ in the front grille.

The ix20 has not only attracted almost 200,000 customers in Europe but also won numerous awards during its first five years on sale, including the prestigious ‘Family Car of the Year‘ award in Belgium and ‘Best Supermini MPV‘ at the UK’s Auto Express awards. Like all new Hyundai models, the New ix20 is backed by Hyundai’s unique Five Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty package. Production of the New ix20 begins in May 2015 at Hyundai’s European plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic.

Technical specifications

Engines

Petrol

1.4-litre 90 PS
Type	‘Gamma’ DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with CVVT
Capacity	1396 cc
Bore x stroke	77 mm x 74.99 mm
Compression ratio	10.5:1
Power	90 PS (66 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque	137 Nm @ 5000 rpm

1.6-litre 125 PS
Type	‘Gamma’ DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with CVVT
Capacity	1591 cc
Bore x stroke	77 mm x 85.44 mm
Compression ratio	10.5:1
Power	125 PS (92 kW) @ 6300 rpm
Torque	156 Nm @ 4200 rpm

Diesel

1.4-litre 77 PS
Type	‘U-II’, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve with WGT
Capacity	1396 cc
Bore x stroke	75 mm x 79 mm
Compression ratio	16:1
Power	77 PS (57 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Torque	240 Nm @ 1500~2000 rpm

1.4-litre 90 PS
Type	‘U-II’, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve with WGT
Capacity	1396 cc
Bore x stroke	75 mm x 79 mm
Compression ratio	16:1
Power	90 PS (66 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Torque	240 Nm @ 1500~2500 rpm

1.6-litre 115 PS
Type	‘U-II’, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve
Capacity	1582 cc
Bore x stroke	77.2 mm x 84.5 mm
Compression ratio	16:1
Power	115 PS (81 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Torque	260 Nm @ 1500~2750 rpm

1.6-litre 128 PS
Type	‘U-II’, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder, 16-valve
Capacity	1582 cc
Bore x stroke	77.2 mm x 84.5 mm
Compression ratio	16:1
Power	128 PS (94 kW) @ 4000 rpm
Torque	260 Nm @ 1500~3000 rpm

Transmissions

Diesel	1.4-litre (77 / 90)	1.6-litre (115 / 128)
Manual	6	6
Automatic	-	-
Petrol	1.4-litre (90)	1.6-litre (125)
Manual	5	6
Automatic	-	6

Gear ratios

	Diesel		Petrol
	1.4 MT (77 / 90)	1.6 MT (115 / 128)	1.4 MT (90)	1.6 MT (125)	1.6 AT (125)
1st	3.769	3.636	3.769	3.615	4.400
2nd	2.040	1.962	2.045	1.955	2.726
3rd	1.294	1.189	1.370	1.370	1.834
4th	0.905	0.844	1.036	1.036	1.392
5th	0.702	0.660	0.839	0.893	1.000
6th	0.596	0.569	-	0.744	0.774
Reverse	3.583	3.583	3.545	3.700	3.440
Final Gear Ratio	3.941	3.941	4.267	4.267	3.612

Suspension and damping

Front	Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabilizer bar
Rear	Coupled torsion beam axle combining good road holding with high rigidity “CTBA Type”

Steering

Type	Motor-driven electric power-assisted rack and pinion
Turning circle	5,21
Lock-to-lock	2,77

Brakes

Front	280 mm ventilated discs
Rear	258 mm solid discs

Wheels and tyres

Wheel type	Tyres
15-inch steel	195/65 R15
16-inch alloy	205/55 R16
17-inch alloy	205/50 R17

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior

Overall length	4115
Overall width	1765 (excluding door mirrors)
Overall height	1600
Wheelbase	2615
Front overhang	820
Rear overhang	680

Interior

	Front	Rear
Head room	1020	980
Leg room	1080	901
Shoulder room	1396	1370
Hip room	1360	1326

Capacities (all models, litres)

Fuel tank	50
Luggage (VDA 211/2014)	440 (seats up)
	1486 (seats down)

Curb weights (kg)

Diesel	1.4-litre (77 / 90)	1.6-litre (115 / 128)
Manual	1270 - 1371	1281 -1380
Petrol	1.4-litre (90)	1.6-litre (125)
Manual	1178 - 1268	1180 - 1280
Automatic	-	1222 - 1335

Performance

Diesel

Engine	1.4-litre		1.6-litre
Transmission	77 PS MT	90 PS MT	115 PS MT	128 PS MT
Max Speed (km/h)	160	167	183	186
0-100 km/h (sec)	15.2	14.2	11.4	11.1

Gasoline

Engine	1.4-litre	1.6-litre
Transmission	90 PS MT	125 PS MT	125 PS AT
Max Speed (km/h)	168	185	180
0-100 km/h (sec)	12.8	10.8	11.5