Indian stampede for Eon sees sales surpass 10,000 in Feb.

Sales of Hyundai Motor’s Eon mini-hatchback in India surpassed 10,000 units a month for the first time in February, making it the best-selling model for Korea’s largest carmaker on the subcontinent, industry sources said yesterday.

Automotive industry sources said sales of the small-sized, economical car that was specifically built for the Indian market hit 10,480 units last month, which made it the fifth-most popular car in the country after the Alto, Swift, Dzire and Wagon R made by rival Maruti Suzuki India.

Strong sales also made the Eon, which went on sale in September, Hyundai’s top-selling model in the South Asian country, outpacing the company’s i10 subcompact, the sales of which reached 10,324 units.

Hyundai designed the Eon using its trademark “fluidic sculpture” design language to appeal to Indian consumers. The company limited options and technology packages that can be installed to best meet local market conditions and further cut prices by procuring most parts from local suppliers. A basic trim model sells for about $5,500, according to the company. Yonhap