HMIL exports its first Getz to Europe

Kolkata, Mar 27: Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) today exported its first consignment of Getz, the third model after Santro and Accent cars, to Europe.

HMIL, India's leading auto manufacturer and exporter of cars, would be exporting about 40,000 of this model mainly to the European markets this fiscal.

Speaking on the occasion, HMIL Managing Director H S Lheem said, '' Given the company's global strategy to make India an export hub for small cars, we are today shipping out the first consignment of Getz to Europe.'' Introduced in 2002, the Getz had sold more than 500,000 units in Europe, accounting for close to 70 per cent of its total sales worldwide, he said.

Selling about 7.6 lakh units globally over the last five years, the Getz, had also been very successful in almost all the overseas market.

'' For Indian operations this is a major milestone as the new Getz will be added to the growing list of exported models of cars from the country,''Mr Lheem said.

The HMIL started its exports in 1999 with the first shipment of 20 Santros to Nepal. Today it exports to around 67 countries in Latin America, Africa and Middle East.

Last year HMI exported around 113000 units and by end of 2008 it aims for 300000 units, the MD added.

The Accent had been popular in domestic and overseas market like Morocco, Algeria and Sri Lanka.

HMI expects to increase the export of the 'Made in India' Getz to one lakh units by 2008 as it meets all the European safety and emission standards.

Besides, 80000 units of Santro and 15000 units of Accent would be exported by end of 2007, Mr Lheem added.

UNI