Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, posted a 25.1 percent rise in August global sales compared to a year earlier.

Domestic sales rose 23.2 percent to 46,841 units in August from 38,023 units a year earlier. This can be attributed to the Korean government’s tax benefits offered since May to consumers who exchange their vehicles older than 10 years for new ones.

The best-selling model in Korea last month was the Elantra, selling 9,168 units. Of this figure, 1,011 units were Elantra LPI Hybrid models, which were launched in July.

Following the positive results in July, total overseas sales, including both exports from Korea and sales from overseas plants, rose by 25.6 percent to 199,035 units in August, up from 158,519 units a year earlier, aided by strong sales from Hyundai’s overseas plants in China, India and the Czech Republic.

Exports from Korea decreased slightly to 68,355 units for the month compared to a year earlier as supplies from domestic plants decreased due to the summer holidays which fell in August this year. However, sales from overseas plants rose 45.4 percent to 130,680 units.

Hyundai Motor will keep focusing on expanding its market share in the global market by increasing supplies of popular models and continuing marketing activities to suit local markets.

August 2009 Results

1. Commercial Vehicles (CV) include buses & trucks.

2. Hyundai Motor currently has 5 overseas plants in China, India, Turkey, U.S. and Czech.

※ Excludes KD(Knock Down) unit sales.