Hyundai eyes 27% sales growth in Russia

SEOUL (Reuters) - Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) said on Sunday it aims to boost its car sales in Russia by 27 percent to 75,000 units this year from a year earlier, with the launch of its flagship Sonata sedan in the fourth quarter.

Hyundai also completed the construction of its first plant in Russia with an annual production capacity of 150,000 units, which would commence production in 2011.

The factory will start production of a compact sedan RBr, in January next year, the world's No.5 automaker with its affiliate Kia Motors (000270.KS), said in a statement.

Hyundai said it had sold 47,200 cars in the first eight months of this year in Russia, up 22 percent from a year ago, and outperforming the market's 14 percent growth.