HYUNDAI passed an important milestone in its short but impressive history when the ten millionth export vehicle rolled off the production lines in Ulsan, Korea. The milestone car was a Tucson bound for France.

Kim Dong-Jin, Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) vice-chairman and CEO, said: "What we are really celebrating today is the growth of the Hyundai family which now extends to ten million satisfied customers around the world - a fact which makes us especially proud.

He added: "Last year, for the very first time, HMC saw its overseas sales break past the one million per annum mark, a feat which is second only to Toyota in terms of volume. Today HMC employs, directly and indirectly, some one million people world-wide and conducts business with nearly 2,000 local and overseas suppliers."

The number of export markets has grown in step with the increase in exports: in 1980, Hyundai vehicles were sold in just 38 countries but the number has now grown to 193 with Iraq, Afghanistan and Tunisia accounting for the most recent additions.