09.01.2019 Press release

Hyundai Motor gains strongest ever UK market share

  • Hyundai achieved a record 3.8% share of the UK new car market in 2018
  • Registration volumes hit 89,961 in 2018 consolidating Hyundai’s top 10 status
  • Eco models surge as Hyundai IONIQ volumes grow 45.2% in 2018

Press material

Hyundai Motor hit a new high in 2018 taking a record-breaking 3.8% share of the UK’s new car market.

Registering 89,961 new vehicles in the year, the strong showing saw the brand out-perform the UK market propelled by Tucson volumes passing 27,000 units and a 45.2% growth in IONIQ registrations.


Hyundai saw its investment in low and ultra-low emission vehicle technologies pay off in 2018, with significant rises for IONIQ supported by the launch of the brand’s first fully-electric SUV – the KONA. The 279-mile range electric model made a strong start with 224 units registered, contributing to the brand’s 8,220 eco-model registrations in the UK over the past year.

While overall UK new car registrations contracted in 2018 (down 6.8%), Hyundai out-performed the market with 89,961 registrations over the 12-month period, a reduction of only 3.7%. In a challenging market, Hyundai reshaped its business model with a strategic, long-term focus to ensure stability and profitability in the years ahead.

The UK car market is facing a host of challenges, so it is gratifying to see Hyundai secure its highest ever market share while achieving strong growth across our eco-model range. This year, we will focus on consolidating our position ahead of some significant new model arrivals in 2020.

Ashley Andrew Hyundai UK Managing Director

Last year, the Tucson was the brand’s best-selling model, registering 27,634 units in 2018. The top-performing eco-model was the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid, with 6,535 units registered, while the plug-in Hybrid IONIQ achieved the highest level of growth, rising 222.2% year-on-year.

Over the past decade, Hyundai has experienced meteoric growth. Now, the company’s new strategic plan will establish a firm base from which to grow – particularly from next year, when Hyundai will launch a selection of new vehicles including low and ultra-low emission models.

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