Hyundai, Kia's November Europe sales up 0.2% on eco-friendly models

Combined vehicle sales of Korea's leading automaker Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia in Europe rose 0.2 percent in November from a year earlier, supported by steady demand for eco-friendly models, industry data showed Tuesday. Hyundai and Kia sold a combined 79,901 vehicles in Europe last month, up from 79,744 units a year earlier, according to the data from the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). "Steady sales of Hyundai and Kia's gasoline hybrid and electric models supported the overall monthly performance," a company spokesperson said. Hyundai Motor's sales climbed 3.7 percent on-year to 41,026 units from 39,592, while Kia's sales fell 3.2 percent to 38,875 units from 40,152. In Europe, where emissions regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, the two automakers are focusing on expanding sales of eco-friendly models, including Hyundai's Tucson gasoline hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, the all-electric Kona, and Kia's all-electric EV3 and Niro plug-in hybrid. Last month, Hyundai and Kia together accounted for 7.4 percent of the European vehicle market, wh