Hyundai Aims to Boost Malaysia Sales 20%

South Korean auto maker Hyundai is aiming for a 20% increase in Malaysian sales this year.

Distributor and importer Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors says it hopes to sell 12,000 units both this year and next, up from 10,000 deliveries last year when the brand was Malaysia's fourth-largest non-national car segment with a 5% market share.

Hyundai Elantra to be badged Avante in Malaysia.

Managing Director Dennis Ho tells the Business Times Hyundai will be boosted by the launch of two new models and the addition of eight sales, service and spare parts centers to the 10 now operating nationwide.

Hyundai-Sime Darby plans to offer the i10 model assembled locally at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah.

Ho tells the newspaper the company also will import the Hyundai Avante and Veloster. The Avante, also known as the Elantra, is a midsize sedan, while the Veloster is a 3-door sport compact coupe.

Hyundai-Sime Darby also sells and distributes the Hyundai Sonata, i30, Accent, Tucson, Santa Fe and Grand Starex.