Hyundai's European business gets noticed

[March 09, 2012]  GENEVA (AP) -- Hyundai's European business is getting noticed, and not just by competitors.

Making a rare appearance in Europe, Hyundai chairman Mong Koo Chung stopped by the brand's stand at the Geneva Motor Show on Wednesday before checking out the competition.

The chief operating officer for Europe, Allan Rushforth, said the visit shows the European business is on the map at headquarters.

The South Korean automaker has improved sales and market share while posting a profit in a down market, in contrast to most of its European mass-market competitors. Hyundai's market share grew to 2.9 percent last year, and it is aiming for a 3.5 percent share this year.

[Associated Press; By COLLEEN BARRY]

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