Hyundai aims to cut waiting-lists and increase sales (EU)

In a bid to cut lengthy waiting lists, Hyundai will transfer production of the ix35 sometime in June. Of late, the ix35 is manufactured in Kia's plant in Žilina, Slovakia but Hyundai will shift production to its factory in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Hyundai said that the move will allow for better flexibility to hike production and keep a close eye on logistics and quality.

Senior vice president of Hyundai Motors Europe, Allan Rushforth has announced that the firm wants the ix35 to outsell the Nissan Qashqai as Europe's best-selling crossover. Around 200,000 Qashqais are sold per annum, compared with 85,000 ix35s.

'We see a clear opportunity to take the lead,' said Rushforth. 'The factory move is part of that, so we can upgrade our processes and upgrade the deliveries. The two-wheel-drive models are showing particular promise, but we aren't in a position to exploit that popularity yet.'