One Million Milestone for Hyundai in Australia
Hyundai Motor Company Australia has sold its one-millionth new vehicle in Australia. The vehicle, an ix35, was registered at 5:01pm AEST on 25th July at John Hughes in Perth – which internal records suggest was the exact same dealership which sold the very first new Hyundai in Australia, some 26 years ago.
“We’re delighted that that the millionth new Hyundai was sold in the same city where it all began back in 1986,” said Oliver Mann, Hyundai’s Marketing Director. “We will be sending our one millionth customer something special to share in our celebrations.”
Hyundai commenced its Australian operations through a single dealership in Perth in 1986, selling just one model. Since then, the company has grown quickly, passing the 500,000 mark in 2004. The brand’s growth accelerated following the establishment of Hyundai Motor Company Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, in 2003.
The company has engaged in a series of high profile local partnerships, including Hyundai A-League football, Carlton FC and Brisbane Lions in AFL and the JB Were Masters golf tournament, as well as maintaining its sponsorship of Perth’s Hyundai Hopman Cup – a partnership which began back in 1988.
Key vehicles for Hyundai in Australia include the Excel, for a short time Australia’s bestselling car, the evergreen Getz, which sold over 158,000 over its 9 year lifespan, and the i30, which was named Carsguide Car of the Year and Australia’s Best Small Car three years in succession. However, the Hyundai range has expanded to include wagons, SUV’s and most recently an exciting coupe / hatch crossover in the daring shape of the new Veloster.
Australian sales of Hyundai peaked in 2011 at a record 87,008 units, equivalent to a market share of 8.6%, through a nationwide network of 150 dealers. The i30 has become the brand’s bestseller, with 28,869 units delivered last year – an achievement likely to be consolidated with the launch of the all-new i30 in June.
As well as being the fifth largest vehicle brand in Australia, the company is regarded as the fastest growing automotive brand in the world, with global sales of 4.09 million in 2011.
“The true significance of reaching one million sales is that so many astute Australian buyers have put their faith in the Hyundai brand when there is so much choice in the market.” said Mr Mann. “We thank them for their loyalty, and pledge to continue our efforts to provide them with superior quality and service.”
For more information on the history of Hyundai Motor Company visit www.hyundai.com.au
Hyundai milestones
1986 – Hyundai introduced to Australia by the Bond Group, WA
1989 – Sonata launched in Australia
1989 – Inaugural Hyundai Hopman Cup tournament, Perth
1990 – Lantra launched in Australia
1990 – HADA established as part of Astre Automotive
1995 – Excel becomes top selling Light car in Australia
1997 – Hyundai introduces Driveaway pricing
1998 – Skipper Hyundai named world’s top selling Hyundai dealer
2000 – Excel passes 250,000 sales
2000 – Accent wins inaugural ABC Best Small Car award
2002 – Getz launched in Australia
2003 – HMCA established
2003 – Getz named Australia’s Best Small Car
2004 – Hyundai sells its 500,000th new car in Australia
2005 – Hyundai A-League launched
2005 – Australia qualifies for FIFA World Cup
2005 – Hyundai introduces 5 year warranty unlimited km warranty
2007 – Hyundai announces partnership with Carlton Football Club
2007 – i30 wins Carsguide Car of the Year
2008 – Hyundai promotes free Electronic Stability Control
2008 – HMCA establishes state of the art new Head Office in Macquarie Park
2009 – i30 and iMax receive Australia’s Best Cars awards
2009 – Hyundai announces partnership with Brisbane Lions
2010 – HMCA stages Fan Fest live sites for 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 – HMCA begins partnership with JB Were Masters
2010 – Canstar Blue recognises Hyundai for ‘Most Satisfied Customers’
2010 – i45 wins Australian International Design Award
2010 – Hyundai introduces iCare and MyHyundai owners’ portal
2011 – Hyundai announces partnership with Wests Tigers announced
2011 – HMCA achieves record 87,008 sales
2012 – Hyundai delivers its 1 Millionth new car in Australia
