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Hyundai eyes a larger slice of market share in Oman [Times of Oman](Times of Oman Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Muscat: Korean car giant Hyundai says it has been content with its success in Oman's market and sees great potential and new possibilities for further expansion in the Sultanate's auto industry. "Oman is a politically stable country and is economically strong. Oman's market accounts for about 10 per cent of Hyundai's total sales in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) market," says Tom Lee, vice-president and head of Hyundai Africa and Middle East regional headquarters. Speaking to the 'Times of Oman', Lee, who has the experience of working in the Korean and United States markets, said that he joined the Middle East operation with 'great expectations.' "The Middle East is a great market for us," he said, adding that the Hyundai Motor expects to see a steady growth in the Middle East market in the coming years. Commenting on the car manufacturer's presence in the Omani market, he said, "I am happy with our success in this country and see a very good future in this market." Lee added that Hyundai plans to increase its market share in Oman and the regional headquarters is working with the Hyundai Motor's plans to bring more models to Oman and other countries in the region. Quality first Asked about the reasons behind Hyundai's success in Oman, the official noted that it can be attributed to the determined efforts of both Hyundai Motors and their local partner, the OTE Group of Companies, which has the responsibility of marketing the products. "We have good designs and high performance products cater to all types of customers with a wide range of products, from small cars to SUVs and luxury cars," he said. According to Lee, another reason behind Hyundai's good performance is the fact that it is providing quality vehicles. "Quality is something that you can never ignore," he said, recalling that their chairman, when he joined Hyundai, was called 'quality chairman' because his motto was "first priority is quality, second is quality and third is quality." "It is true, and we really try to enhance the quality of our products. We have 24-hour quality monitoring systems. We receive quality-related issues through various channels and send feedback immediately and try to fix the problem," said Lee. He also referred to the fact that J. D. Power recently presented three Hyundai vehicles — 2014 Genesis, 2014 Elantra and 2014 Accent — their highest award for initial quality in their respective segments. Hyundai ranked fourth overall in initial quality, climbing six spots from last year, and was the highest-ranked non-premium brand. In total, Hyundai had six vehicles in the top three positions in their segments, including two second place finishes for Santa Fe and Sonata and a third-place finish for Equus (known as Centennial in the Middle East). This year's results mark the third time Hyundai has been the highest-ranked non-premium brand in the past 10 years, and the third time it finished among the top four brands overall. The award comes from the J. D. Power 2014 US Initial Quality StudySM (IQS). Now in its 28th consecutive year, IQS is the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality, measured at 90 days of ownership.All-New 2015 Sonata Commenting on the fact that the seventh-generation 'All-new 2015 Sonata', was first launched in Oman's market in the region, Lee said that the decision was made to utilise the opportunity provided by the holy month of Ramadan. "The reason we supplied to Oman before other countries is that we did not want to miss the big opportunity during Ramadan. We wanted to utilise this Ramadan culture, which is specifically very strong in Oman," he added. Special offers Hyundai's vice-president also noted that the Sonata sales have increased by 50 per cent in Oman during Ramadan, with the launch of all-new 2015 Sonata and the promotional offers. According to the OTE, the Ramadan promotional offers, which are valid until August 15, include up to OMR1,111 cash as gift, a chance to win 'free life time service' free insurance, free registration, five years/100,000km service, five-year unlimited mileage warranty and gifts such as iphone 5s, Bosch hand blender, FIFA goodies bag and attractive finance options to name a few. Promotion elements may vary for different models. Exact details of the promotion can be checked out at Hyundai showrooms. "The feedback we have received from the customers has been very positive," Lee said, adding, "Sonata is very important to us. It is a strategic model and has a great role to play. It accounts for a big portion of our sales." Unique features Asked about the all-new Sonata features, Lee said that its most distinctive feature is its new style and design. Sonata's features include special safety features like 'Blind spot detection' and 'Emergency stop signal,' advanced engines that can create spirited acceleration and new front and rear suspension designs to provide enhanced steering response, handling capability and stability. Advanced vehicle infotainment features, including sophisticated next-generation multi-media systems, deliver cutting-edge entertainment and connectivity to drivers and passengers. Further convenience is provided by the all-new Sonata's Smart Trunk function. Using the vehicle's smart key, the system can be activated to open the trunk automatically when the smart key is detected near the rear bumper for longer than three seconds. Panorama Sunroof is still Sonata's unique feature caring customers.New possibilities Asked about Hyundai's motto 'New Thinking. New Possibilities' and the new possibilities in Oman's market, Lee noted that the Hyundai Motor will continue to focus more on its brand direction 'Modern Premium' to provide new values and experiences to Hyundai fans. To get in touch with the reporter [email protected] (c) 2014 Muscat Press and Publishing House SAOC Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |