Hyundai, the New Honda?

It's official. As of 1st July 2008, the Automotive News' 2008 Global Data Group published that the Hyundai-Kia group has surpassed Japanese automotive manufacturers Honda and are now the 5th largest car manufacturer in the world based on global sales.

With sales numbers of almost 4 million cars in 2007, Hyundai-Kia have managed to climb six places up the list in just the last 8 years. In 1999, they placed 11th, but under the helm of Chung Mong-Koo as CEO, the Group has been expanding rapidly on a global scale by opening up new manufacturing facilities in the U.S., China & India just to name a few.

The Top 5 Automakers (Based on 2007 sales)

1. Toyota

2. GM

3. Volkswagen

4. Ford

5. Hyundai-Kia

Only years ago, were auto manufacturers laughing at the Koreans at their attempts to market their cars globally. Now that Honda have fallen, how long will it be before the Ford boat gets sunk too?

Which brings us to the question: "Are you getting a Hyundai?"

[Source: Auto Industry]