Hyundai India receives recognition as leading car manufacturer

NEW DELHI, Feb. 22 (Yonhap) -- Hyundai Motor India was awarded the 2009 car
manufacturer of the year award at a local car and bike event in New Delhi, the
company said Sunday.

The affiliate of South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. said the NDTV award marks the
second time that the company received laurels in the local market.
Last month, the company won the UTVi award for automobiles.
Both awards are given based on number of new models released in the previous
year, overall sales numbers and market share, along with new technology used in
the models and brand presence.
Hyundai claimed the awards could further enhance the image of the carmaker in the
Indian market.
"The company expects difficulties this year, but hopes to use these recognitions
to expand market share," said a company executive.
Hyundai saw sales improve in the U.S. and Chinese markets in January, but said
overall conditions will likely affect growth this year, following a poor showing
in 2008.
South Korea's No. 1 carmaker and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp. said exports to
emerging markets plunged sharply last month compared to the year before as the
global economic downturn caused consumers to reconsider new purchases.
(END)