President of Hyundai Motor Europe visits Hyundai Malta

Rhim was visiting Malta to overview Hyundai’s operations and to meet the management and personnel at Hyundai’s showroom in B’Kara.

During his visit Mr Rhim reiterated Hyundai’s commitment to make Hyundai one of the most trusted brands in Europe.

“Figures over the past years have been confirming that we are moving in the right direction. In fact, in 2014 we managed to register higher sales than 2013. Europe plays a very important role in Hyundai’s strategy. This market’s particular needs have shaped some of Hyundai’s most beautiful models such as the ix35, the i30 and now, the new generation i20 which is set to become a game changer even on a local level,” said Mr Rhim.

Rhim added that within an environment of global economic slowdown, political uncertainties in emerging markets and fiercer competition, Hyundai should keep focusing on enhancing product competitiveness and customer satisfaction in order to overcome such difficulties.

“We should proactively respond to demands of customers and markets, elevate brand values by launching various eco-friendly cars and localized strategic models, and secure world’s best quality competitiveness. In particular, the Group’s future competitiveness will hinge on our capability to develop innovative technologies and products and to cultivate creative human resources.

"This is why Hyundai will greatly expand R&D investment to add advanced R&D facilities, and hire more talented researchers,” added Mr Rhim. 

Byung Kwon Rhim was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hyundai Motor Europe in January of 2013 and throughout the past two years, his main priorities have been to enhance quality and customer satisfaction at all levels.

He previously held the role of President at Hyundai Motor Russia, but, prior to that, Rhim held several marketing positions within Europe, and also served as the Head of Europe Division at Hyundai’s headquarters in Korea.

Francesca Mamo, Managing Director of Meridein Enterprises, local importers of Hyundai, thanked Mr Rhim for his visit to Malta and reiterated her commitment to keep increasing Hyundai’s local presence. “This visit is of great honour to us and we are delighted to have had this opportunity to talk to Mr Rhim about our operations and the challenges we face on a local level.

"We do acknowledge that the current economic situation is very challenging but we are positive that Hyundai’s very positive brand image will help sustain our work to promote the trustworthiness and the high quality build of today’s Hyundai models,” said Francesca Mamo.