Kia Motors and Hyundai Motor are aiming at increasing global sales by six percent in 2012 to record seven million units. The South Korean carmakers occupied the fifth rank in the global car sales competition, but they seem to be unable to deal with market demand due to stretched production capacity. Yet, both automakers decided not to increase capacity sharply, and concentrated on developing the quality and enhancing their earnings.

Kia and Hyundai managed to sell 6.6 million cars last year, which is higher than the previously set target of 6.33 million, and represents a 15 percent increase from last year figures. The automakers are depending on the Chinese and U.S markets in 2012 to reach their targets, especially with the continuous recovery seen in demand. It is important to mention that Hyundai is planning to start production in its third factory in China this year, besides a new factory in Brazil.

New models will be playing a great role in this plan, as both Korean manufacturers are preparing their new designs and models with attractive features to increase market share, especially in the United States, where fuel efficient cars sales picking up.

Moreover, the German auto industry association VDA expected the global auto market to grow four percent to reach 68 million cars this year compared with 65.4 million in 2011. Such expectations are based on figures seen in the U.S market, noting that about 12.5 million cars were sold in the U.S in December.