Record Middle East sales for Hyundai in first half of 2012

Hyundai enjoyed increased sales in almost all of the GCC and Levant countries, with Kuwait leading the way with impressive growth of 127%.

The Accent, the company's ever popular midsized sedan, continues to be Hyundai's biggest selling model across these countries, with sales up 76% with 35,143 units being sold.

Bahrain experienced a massive 99% increase in sales, while the UAE saw sales shoot up by 77%, Qatar by 60% and Oman by 48%. With 56,118 cars leaving the showroom so far this year, Saudi Arabia remains Hyundai's biggest market in the region, recording a 16% leap in sales. Among the Levant countries, Lebanon and Jordan also enjoyed strong starts to the year with sales up 32% and 31% respectively.

Among the models leading the charge for Hyundai are those that make up the company's luxury car line-up - the Centennial and Genesis - which have experience a combined 60% increase in sales. Sales of the Genesis Saloon have risen by 44%, while Hyundai's flagship model, the Centennial registered staggering growth of 312%, proving that Hyundai can successfully compete in the luxury car segment.

Across the board, Middle East customers are buying Hyundai cars in unprecedented numbers. The company's trio of SUV models - the Tucson, Santa Fe and Vera Cruz - experienced a 63% rise in sales across the GCC and Levant, while Hyundai's new 'i' generation of cars, the i10, i20, i30 and i40, saw a combined sales increase of 118%. The biggest selling model after the Accent, was another of Hyundai's midsized cars, the Azera, which recorded a growth rate of 132%.

Tom Lee, Head of Hyundai Middle East's Regional Headquarters, said: "The levels of quality, reliability and desirability of Hyundai cars have never been so high, and these extremely positive figures reflect the consumer confidence in our brand. Right across the range, whether it be our premium line-up, our SUV models, or our practical saloon cars, Middle East customers continue to choose Hyundai in ever-increasing numbers."