Hyundai, South Korea's biggest carmaker, saw quarterly profits increase by 86 per cent thanks to strong European and US demand.

Net profits for the period ending June 30 were up to £300m from £100m a year ago as sales increased by six per cent to £3.48bn. The results were driven by increased sales of the Santa Fe sports utility vehicle as well as the Sonata. Exports rose by 30 per cent in the first half and Hyundai says it will beat its target to sell one million cars overseas this year.

Meanwhile, Hyundai UK has announced four new dealer appointments – John Mulholland Motors in County Antrim, Tates Hyundai in Brighton, Maidstone Hyundai and Seaham Hyundai.