While most automakers in Europe suffer huge losses and decline in record sales, cause the company Hyundai is the best way to go. In an interview with Handelsblatt, Vice-President of Hyundai Motor Europe ALLA RASHFORT explained why the South Korean company managed to show strong growth even in a crisis, what is the benefit of ekopremy for the recycling of old cars, and why Hyundai is not interested in the acquisition of Opel.
– Mr. Rashfort, you have already expressed their gratitude to the Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel for the extension of ekopremy? – I would be much more happy talk about those cases, the course which really can change. Politics for them, unfortunately, does not apply.
– Ekopremiya But it helps to develop your company's business, right? – Yes, and verysignificantly. In the current market situation ekopremiya helps vendors stay afloat. However, with regard to our company, the success of Hyundai in the first quarter was achieved not only through her.
– Advisability ekopremy in Germany is now in question. Do you think it is needed or not? – Frankly, I regard it neutrally. It is now clear, only one thing: the high rate of turnover and sales in the past. Of course, ekopremiya encourage automobile market, but only when the market is really necessary. This model, which established and operates in Germany, of course, a good example to follow. Conditions to obtain it and the goal of providing clear, and the results are there.
– What do you answer those critics who claim that ekopremiya benefit primarily to foreign producers, for example, Hyundai? – Of course, each year we sell more cars, and we can increase our share in the German market. However, if you compare our performance with the results, for example, Volkswagen and Ford, it will understand that the benefit not only ourselves. National producers also receive many benefits from ekopremy.
– However, the Western European market in addition to Hyundai few who are able to feel confident. How can you explain such a steady increase in sales of the company? – Frankly speaking, we are not surprised by the growth of their sales. Hyundai as a brand has come to market with their products is on time. Today, for example, the ratio of price /performance is beginning to play for buyers increasingly important role, and in this respect, our company has many competitive advantages.
– Bantam, of course, very good and beautiful, but they give very little margin. With their sales automakers can not exist. As you have the case with other segments of cars? – You're right. Re-emergence of Hyundai in Europe will consist of three phases. Now we are at first. Now our goal – to focus not on our traditional core segment – SUV, which in 2007 amounted to the bulk of our sales, but just at bantam. This course we will follow in the next 12 months. But in the first quarter of next year we will start to gradually withdraw to the market new models in other segments. At this point, we expect the global economy starts to grow again.
– And that it will be for cars? – among them, of course, be lightweight, energy-efficient SUV. We are determined to regain its European leadership in this segment and defeat «Gelendvagenami».
– And how would you segment after energy-efficient SUV? – At the third stage, we just close 'll order segment, which we constantly ask: car premium. Although, it should be noted that in some markets, this class of vehicles has already been submitted limousines Genesis.
– And with its Genesis you intend to compete in Europe with such companies as Audi, BMW and Daimler?
– The final decision on this matter is still pending – we are now actively studying what prospects there are in Genesis, Genesis-Coupe, and SUV iX55 in the premium segment. But, of course, we are ready to adapt our motors to the requirements of the European market. Read more »