Hyundai targets Chinese mid-sized car market (CN)

Following its extraordinary success in the U.S, according to a senior executive, Hyundai is aiming for its long lasting growth to come from China.

�It is time to strengthen our brand�s premium image in China to pave the way for our long-term growth there,� Jung Myung-Chae, GM at Beijing Hyundai Motor�s brand strategy division said.

Despite Hyundai arriving late in the Chinese market, it�s the 4th largest manufacture in the country. The line-up consists of a mixture of vehicles from emerging markets and the North American market, however, the most popular model was the Elantra compact sedan.

2010 saw Hyundai drop off 700,000 cars, with a majority of vehicles being compact sedans with a small engine displacement.

Myung-Chae said Hyundai will now concentrate on larger vehicles and in order to keep up with local demand, the brand has assembled its third Chinese plant.

�As part of our global brand strategy, we want to focus more on the mid-sized sedan segment this year,� Jung said.