The Hindu Business Line : Hyundai targets sales of 3.3 lakh units by year-end

Mumbai, Aug. 13 Hyundai Motor India (HMI) has set a target to sell 3,30,000 units (inclusive of exports) by this year-end, said Mr Arvind Saxena, Vice-President, Marketing and Sales, HMI. Last year, it sold 3,00,000 units.

The target will be catered by the main factory that is currently working on a three-shift basis; it will be supplemented by the second factory that will be commissioned by mid-October this year, said the official spokesperson of the company. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers’ flash reports, the company has recorded total sales of 1,89,499 units (from January – July 2007 (inclusive of exports)).

The target will be primarily achieved by expanding the dealer and service network and backed by the launch of forthcoming models such as Pa and Getz diesel variant by the end of this year. The new model (positioned between the Santro and Getz) will be first introduced, followed by the Getz diesel variant, said senior officials.

HMI had a total of 167 dealerships at the end of 2006 and the current strength is 191. The company plans to add 59 more dealerships by this year-end thus taking the total to 250. The company has a total number of 288 stand-alone service stations that will be increased to 329 by this year-end. It is also expanding its used car business. In year 2006, it started with 7 dealers and the current strength is 23 with a target to reach 50 dealers by the year-end. In order to constantly understand and serve its customers, HMI recently initiated the ‘Always Around’ campaign for its customers, which is still running nationwide.

The campaign offers a comprehensive 17 point check-up and a thorough examination of the vehicle & services such as tyre and vehicle polishing, coolant and oil top-up. HMI also organised a ‘Free Car Clinic’ in January 2007 across 310 cities. The campaign was a Hyundai initiative to strengthen the link with the customer base, offering them a comprehensive service package at value-for-cost prices.

The company also conducted 34-cities road show and plans to do similar shows in the near future in specific regions.