Hyundai looks set to smash its record for sales in the UK by the end of 2004, having sold as many cars in the last 10 months as in the whole of 2003.

In October Hyundai sold 2,377 vehicles (a market share of 1.39%) compared to 2,062 for the same month last year; an increase of 15% in a market down nearly 6%.

Hyundai’s October sales exceeded those of Kia, Mitsubishi, Skoda and Suzuki.

To the beginning of November 2004 Hyundai Car (UK) has sold 32,631 vehicles, while last year the company sold 32,238 in the full 12 months.

The Getz sold 13,423 sales; Coupe, with 4334 sales; Santa Fe 4x4 with 3,941 sales and Matrix mini-MPV with 3,550 sales.

The Tucson SUV, introduced in mid-August, is adding to Hyundai’s growth with 1,079 sales. Until the end of December, the Getz, Matrix and Trajet all come with three years’ free servicing, while the Matrix 1.6 GSI and SE models are both reduced by £1,000. The 1.6 GSI is now available for £9,995, while the 1.6 SE now starts at £10,995.