Hyundai to Expand i20 Production to Europe

MACQUARIE PARK, AUSTRALIA – September 7, 2009: In response to growing customer demand, Hyundai Motor Company is expanding its production plant in Turkey, primarily to build the i20, designed in Europe for European customers.

A leading product in its segment, the i20 will be produced in left hand drive for European markets at Hyundai Turkey’s Izmit Plant, starting from May 2010 – a move that will see an additional investment of US$75 million. The UK, where i20 was recently recognised as What Car? Magazine’s Supermini Best Buy £8,000 - £10,000, will continued to receive right hand drive production out of Hyundai India’s Chennai plant.

Izmit’s production capacity will be raised to 100,000 units per annum, with 80,000 devoted to the i20. The plant currently produces the Accent and Matrix MPV, and the new investment will contribute to the Turkish economy by creating 500 new jobs.

Launched in Europe towards the end of last year, i20 charms with its sporty design, flexible interior and dynamic ride and handling. In May this year, it scored the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP’s crash safety tests, receiving an average score of 80.25 percent, the highest among its rivals in the segment. The car’s 64 percent score for pedestrian protection is also noteworthy for being higher than other models tested under NCAP’s new regulations.

“The European vehicle market is one of the most discerning in the world,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s Director of Sales and Marketing Kevin McCann. “The expanded capacity is a result of the i20’s success in Europe. This should free up assembly lines for Australian specification cars and will enable us to move closer to confirming launch plans for Australia.”