With all the challenges faced in 2018, from a higher than expected inflation rate to a number of political and economic events happening in the global landscape, 2019 may be seen to fair much better for the Philippine economy.

According to Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in country, Hyundai’s performance in 2018 has proven that it is capable of remaining relevant in the local automotive market and ended the year on a high note.

The results: Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segment was at the spotlight for the brand’s growth driver. To record, it registered a total of 15,496 units sold growing by 27.5-percent increase in total full year sales of 35,401 units.

The brand also recorded a 48.4-percent rise in its LCV sales in the last fourth quarter—5,415 units sold in 2018 compared to the 3,650 units sold in the same period of the previous year.

Among the driving force of Hyundai are the Kona, Tucson, Grand Starex, and H-100, the brand’s LCV models.

Meanwhile, Passenger Cars (PC) segment sales retained its position as the brand’s volume driver by accounting for 56.2-percent of total sales. The Hyundai Accent still becomes the top-selling sedan car in Hyundai

The segment declined by 22-percent to 19,905 units for 2018 compared to the 25,529 units sold in the same period of 2017.

“Amidst the uncertainty faced in the automotive industry for the year, Hyundai has proven itself to weather the odds and exceed expectations. The economic landscape shows to be more optimistic, you can expect more from us in 2019,” explained Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI President and CEO.