Hyundai 4th Largest Automaker, Overtakes Ford

According to data published today by Ford, the company sold 5,313,000 units worldwide “to wholesale” (i.e. out of the door.), up 447,000 units or 9.19 percent. With Volvo eliminated, the growth was 771,000 units. Record sales in the U.S.A. and Asia were partially offset by lower sales in Europe. Ford is not strong enough in China to profit like its competitors that are strong in China. One of these competitors is Hyundai.

According to TTAC data, the Hyundai Motor Group (Hyundai and Kia) booked global sales of 5,744,018 units in 2010. With these numbers, Hyundai Motor Group moves up into the #4 spot, Ford slips down to #5.

Top 5 Automakers 2010
Rank	Name	Production
1	Toyota Group	8,557,351
2	General Motors Group	8,389,769
3	Volkswagen Group	7,140,000
4	Hyundai Motor Group	5,744,018
5	Ford	5,313,000

Ford had held the #3 position until 2006, when Ford was overtaken by the Volkswagen Group. A year before, Hyundai-Kia was in the #9 position. From 2006-2008, Hyundai and Kia reported separately, in 2009, Hyundai and Kia reported as a group again and were in the #4 slot.

The performance of Hyundai, which 10 years ago still was a target of ridicule, a company in a small country of 48 million, deserves respect.

Read More: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/01/hyundai-4th-largest-automaker-overtakes-ford/