Hyundai Mulls New Canada Plant

Cammy Corrigan
by Cammy Corrigan

Canoe.ca reports that Hyundai are considering the option of a new production plant in Canada, provided the brand’s sales growth continues its upward momentum. “In Canada, if our volumes grow to the point we could support a plant we would consider it”. President and Chief Executive of Hyundai Canada, Steve Kelleher said. But, he warned, “for manufacturers there is a real urge to grow sales and put up plants to meet that growth, but if you do it too fast you lose the focus on what got you to where you are in the first place, and that’s quality.” Goodness, what could he possibly be referring to?

Mr Kelleher did give some tangibles, saying that if Hyundai’s market share were to grow to 10-15%, it would be enough to make a plant viable. Hyundai are not far off that goal; their market share rose to 7.5% from 6% a year ago. And it wasn’t just manufacturing Hyundai are bullish in. Hyundai are also adding more dealerships across Canada to facilitate the good growth they’ve experienced. “For Hyundai the sales growth is sustainable,” Kelleher said. Car makers in Canada had better figure out a gameplan, soon, because Hyundai aren’t waiting for anybody.

Cammy Corrigan
Cammy Corrigan

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  • Emro Emro on Feb 03, 2010

    Well, there are plenty of large, empty, industrial buildings here in southern Ontario... ring Dalton!

  • Tuckerdawg Tuckerdawg on Feb 03, 2010

    I drive an 06' Elantra hatchback and I'm pretty satisfied with it. I was impressed with the dash fittings when I took it out to install a stereo. Not very exciting but that saves me on a lot of traffic tickets. If it was a manual I would be ok with that but automatic is so boring... I might pay a premium for mazda next time but overall hyundai is appealing well to the mass market.

  • Detroit Todd Detroit Todd on Feb 03, 2010
    I drive an 06′ Elantra hatchback I'm so sorry.
  • TCragg TCragg on Feb 04, 2010

    Hey, Hyundai. Why not set up shop in St. Thomas? As of next year, we'll have two empty assembly plants for you to choose from!

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