Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors flag slow sales recovery in 2018

Seoul

SOUTH Korea's Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors on Tuesday flagged 4 per cent sales growth in 2018, suggesting a slow recovery from a slump linked to their lack of SUVs in the United States and diplomatic tensions with China.

Hyundai and smaller affiliate Kia said demand was expected to soften in the US and Chinese markets as they unveiled a combined sales target of 7.55 million vehicles this year, from 7.25 million vehicles last year.

"The market environment is expected to be difficult due to a slowdown in major markets like the US and China, prolonged low growth in the global economy and trade protect…