Hyundai hired former Volkswagen designer Simon Loasby in a bid to attract Chinese customers amid sluggish sales there.

Loasby, who designed Volkswagen's China-specific models since 2008, is soon to join Hyundai and will head the development of cars targeting Chinese customers.

He was behind a series of popular models there including the four-door coupe Lamando, three-box sedan Santana, and luxury sedan Phideon.

Loasby began his career with Rolls-Royce and Bentley in 1991. From 2001, he worked at Volkswagen headquarters in Germany until he moved to China in 2008.

Hyundai hopes his expertise will help the company strengthen competitiveness in the Chinese market and boost slowing sales there.

Hyundai and affiliate Kia sold 52,485 cars in China in May, down 65 percent compared to May last year.

