Hyundai, Kia hope to hit targets with SUVs

Hyundai Motor and affiliate Kia Motors said on Friday that they would achieve their sales target for the year by launching new sport utility vehicles in two major auto markets, the United States and Europe, in the second half.

In separate biannual meetings with overseas sales executives, Hyundai and Kia discussed measures to achieve their sales target of a combined 7.55 million vehicles, up 4.1 percent from the 7.25 million they sold last year, Hyundai Motor Group said in a statement.

In terms of major challenges in the second half, the company named interest rate increases in the United States, rising oil prices and an unfriendly business environment due to U.S. tariffs on imported vehicles.

To boost sales in the second half, Hyundai plans to launch a new Santa Fe and upgraded Tucson in the U.S. market in July and November. Kia will launch a Sorento facelift in June.

The new Santa Fe is the most essential model in determining Hyundai’s annual earnings results this year. If it is well accepted in the United States, Hyundai will come up with strong financial figures at the end of the year, the company said.

In Europe, Hyundai will gradually the Santa Fe, Tucson and Kona, and Kia will roll out the Sportage SUV. The company has recently set up a task force to attract female customers in Saudi Arabia after the country permitted women to drive cars.