Rushforth

Hyundai has been growing faster than most of its bigger competitors in the region for years with its expanding range of competitively-priced cars, and Allan Rushforth , Hyundai's chief operating officer for Europe, sees no reason why 2012 should be any different.

Hyundai Sees Growth in Europe Gilles Castonguay 2012

Another reason for Hyundai having more room to grow in Europe was that it was still relatively unknown among potential customers, according to Mr. Rushforth.

Hyundai Sees Growth in Europe Gilles Castonguay 2012

Mr. Rushforth hopes to reach sales of 60,000 cars with the i40 in 2012, pulling it close to Toyota Motor Corp.'s Avensis, which accounted for 69,000 vehicles last year in the region.

Hyundai Boosts Europe Ambitions Gilles Castonguay 2011

Mr. Rushforth said Hyundai had been winning customers from the likes of Ford Motor Co. and Adam Opel Gmbh of General Motors Co., which is reviewing its options for the money-losing German division.

Hyundai Sees Growth in Europe Gilles Castonguay 2012

"We will continue to review our production capabilities here to ensure growth targets can be met," Mr. Rushforth said.

Hyundai Boosts Europe Ambitions Gilles Castonguay 2011

"This extra capacity will cover the predicted increase in demand for our cars built in Europe," Hyundai's chief operating officer for Europe, Allan Rushforth , said in an interview ahead of this week's Geneva motor show.

Hyundai Boosts Europe Ambitions Gilles Castonguay 2011

Hyundai was able to keep its cost base under control, thanks to its global manufacturing footprint, Mr. Rushforth said.

Hyundai Boosts Europe Ambitions Gilles Castonguay 2011

At a packed unveiling of the car maker's i40 wagon, European Chief Operating Officer Allan Rushforth noted that the Korean manufacturer's Western European sales jumped 5% last year, as much as the rest of the market dropped.

Geneva Auto Show Glitz Masks New Worries Vanessa Fuhrmans 2011

Mr. Rushforth said it was "difficult" to make a profit in Europe, but didn't elaborate on financial details.

Hyundai Boosts Europe Ambitions Gilles Castonguay 2011

Although Mr. Rushforth saw it as a possibility for others, he said Hyundai wouldn't take part.

Hyundai Sees Growth in Europe Gilles Castonguay 2012