(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea´s largest automaker, sold 442,971 units (domestic: 158,227 units, exports: 284,744 units) in the first quarter, a 14.3 percent increase from a year earlier, boosted by a better product mix which was led by higher sales of mid to large sedans.

Net profit rose 27.7 percent to 392.7 billion won from 307.4 billion won a year earlier. Sales rose 22 percent to 8.2 trillion won from 6.7 trillion won a year earlier, while operating profit jumped 61 percent to 529.1 billion won.

First quarter sales rose on an improved product mix, led by higher sales of mid- to large-size sedans. The company also strengthened its cost competitiveness through its cost-cutting efforts which were widely implemented since last year. A weaker won currency also benefitted sales.

Hyundai Motor has been able to establish an ideal sales structure that isn´t largely affected by the economic situation of just one region. The company´s continuous efforts to diversify its settlement currency and cut costs are now showing through its stable sales growth.

The new plant openings in China and India this year will give Hyundai Motor a competitive advantage over global peers by being able to actively respond to rising demand in emerging markets, which are leading the demand in the global automotive industry.

Domestic sales increased 10.9 percent to 158,227 units, led by Hyundai Motor´s first premium sedan Genesis and Sonata Transform, whose engine performance and interior design was greatly improved.

Exports increased 16.3 percent to 284,744 units, led by higher sales of i30´s to Europe and rising demand from emerging markets.

Revenue rose 22% to 8.2 trillion won on increased unit sales, improved product mix and a weaker won. Operating profit margins also increased 6.5 percent, up 1.6 percentage points from a year earlier.

Hyundai Motor is seeking ways to maximize the benefits of the favorable currency situation to improve the company´s future competitiveness. Hyundai Motor will improve dealer networks and continue promoting its image-related advertisements to raise brand awareness in advanced markets. The company will actively carry out marketing activities in emerging markets to gain a strong foothold on the market.

Hyundai Motor also plans to expand its cost cutting efforts to overseas plants such as China and India, to achieve global cost competitiveness.

Visit http://ir.hyundai-motor.com/eng/index.html for a detailed report on quarterly results.