With the release of their new 2018 Creta compact SUV, Hyundai Motor India have breached the 8 million (80 lakh) mark faster than any other car manufacturer.
It has taken 19 and a half years in the Indian market for the Korean company to reach this milestone, beating even Maruti Suzuki’s record, which is no mean feat. The first million (10 lakh) cars for the company rolled out in 2006, a Santro, after a mere eight years of production. Momentum built and the next million units sold with an average of a million every 18-19 months.
Y.K Koo, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “Evolution of a Revolution is Hyundai’s DNA. Today marks a momentous and landmark day in the history of Hyundai Motor India with the achievement of 8 Million Milestone. Hyundai is the only manufacturer to achieve this feat in the shortest span of time while strengthening our manufacturing excellence, customer experience, marketing innovation and corporate social responsibility. In our evolving journey to becoming India’s most loved and trusted brand, we have pushed the boundaries and taken on new challenges at every step. Our vision is to deliver on the promise of becoming the ‘Lifetime Partners in Automobile and beyond’. I dedicate this achievement to our valuable customers and every member of the Hyundai family.
“Thanking 8 Million customers and remembering their brilliant moments with Hyundai cars, we will be launching a series of activities and emotionally connecting campaigns to mark the 20th year of excellence in sales and production in India”, he added.
Hyundai have their manufacturing plant in Chennai, which was first commissioned in 1998, and a second there after in 2008, both in the vicinity of each other. The plant has increased its volumes, too, especially with the company increasing its product range. Export of vehicles has also grown exponentially. In 1999, Hyundai Motor India shipped 20 Santro models to Nepal. Today, the company contributes to 40 per cent of passenger vehicles exports from India, making it the largest passenger-car exporter in the country. Hyundai Motor India export about 2.7 million vehicles to 88 different countries.
The company seem to be actively promoting the ‘Make in India for the rest of the World’ philosophy. With their award-winning models over the years, Hyundai aim to target the 10 million mark by the first half as early as 2021.
Story : Zal Cursetji
