Hyundai Motor UK has promoted managing director Ashley Andrew to the role of president with immediate effect.

Andrew, who joined the company as sales director in 2018 before taking the helm from Tony Whitehorn in 2019, will continue to lead the UK business, “solidifying Hyundai’s premium volume positioning” and “driving the change to a smart mobility future”, Hyundai said.

Since 2019, a drive to consolidate the UK business with a focus on sustainable and profitable growth has brought an increase of 45% in Hyundai’s average sales price and culminated in a record year for Hyundai Motor UK in 2022, with its largest ever market share of 5.0% and 80,419 new cars registered.

Commenting on his appointed, Andrew said: “I have been privileged to work with an outstanding team here at Hyundai UK and within our Retailer Network over the last few years and am delighted to be able, in my new role, to continue that great work together to shape and realise our vision for the future.

“Hyundai is progressive, innovative, is a leader in clean mobility and has an exciting portfolio of new products yet to come to build upon the success of its award-winning line-up. I am excited to be part of what’s to come.”

Andrew has more than 29 years of automotive and sales experience, having worked at senior levels for brands including Fiat Chrysler, Volkswagen Group, BMW Group, and Ford.

He began his career as a graduate trainee at Ford Motor Company UK, where he was selected for sponsorship to its Executive MBA Programme.

The brand is getting 2023 off to a strong start with the launch of its second Ioniq electric vehicle (EV) model, the Ioniq 6, and a new Kona crossover.