Hyundai, Kia log lower-than-market average sales in Europe

Hyundai Motor Co. and its smaller affiliate Kia Motors Corp. saw their sales grow at a lower-than-market average pace in Europe last month, with their combined market share declining from a year earlier, data showed Tuesday.

According to the data by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Hyundai Motor's sales in Europe came to 30,943 units, up 0.2 percent from a year earlier, while Kia Motors' sales grew 6 percent on-year to 25,671 units.

Their growth rates were lower than the 7 percent gain in total European sales last month.

Hyundai Motor's market share in Europe fell to 3.2 percent from the previous year's 3.4 percent. Kia Motors maintained its market share at 2.7 percent, the data showed.

Their combined market share in Europe inched down to 5.9 percent last month.

Other carmakers from Europe, Japan and America expanded their presence.

The data showed that Volkswagen, Renault and Ford posted 11.1 percent, 9.8 percent and 6.8 percent gains in sales. Toyota of Japan also registered a 7.1 percent rise in sales in Europe last month. (Yonhap)