Hyundai i30 debuts in Frankfurt motor show

Frankfurt: South Korean automobile giant Hyundai Motor Company’s new-generation i30 Tuesday made its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Last week the first picture of its new generation i30 hatchback was released.

In a statement, Hyundai said it expected the new generation i30 to build on the success of the original model and also the company's first model to be launched with the prefix 'i'.

According to Hyundai, the original i30 was designed and engineered in Europe and rolled out of its factory in the Czech Republic in 2007.

Last year, Hyundai sold 115,000 i30 units in Europe.

After its July 2007 launch, the i30 went on to increase its sales in Europe every year, attracting 115,000 buyers in 2010 -- the highest-ever annual sales figure for an individual Hyundai model in Europe -- and achieving total sales of more than 350,000 units up to mid-2011.
 
“The new-generation i30 is recognisable thanks to the Hyundai family face with its signature hexagonal-shaped front grille and the jewel-like design of the headlamps, together with distinctive daytime running lights.  These lights present an angular shape within a more softly-edged recess, adding a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury,” Thomas Burkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, had commented on the release of the first pictures of the i30 last week.

“Through the profile of the new generation i30, a strong character line runs over the front and rear wheelarches all the way to the tail lamps.  A softer, lower character line rises up the car’s flank creating a play of light and shadow – a fundamental feature of fluidic sculpture,” Thomas Burkle had added.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, said, “We expect the new-generation i30 to appeal to young, progressive buyers who want a car that not only performs well but looks great too.  In this way, the new-generation i30 will contribute to future sales success, growing brand awareness and improving perceptions of Hyundai among European consumers.”

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