Hyundai Motor UK has "geared up" its dealer network for a boost in fleet and business sales, following record sales last year.

The Korean brand, which was named Manufacturer of the Year at the 2019 AM Awards, sold 50,571 units in the Fleet and Business sector, last year - 56.2% of the total Hyundai sales volume.

The success follows two senior appointments made during 2018; Michael Stewart as director of Fleet and Tim White as national fleet sales manager.

“Since joining Hyundai Motor UK in 2018, we’ve been incredibly busy building the fleet infrastructure that Hyundai’s astonishing model line-up deserves,” said Stewart.

“Thanks to an expanded team of hugely experienced fleet specialists, some key developments to our dealer network and an absolute dedication to delivering the best experience for our fleet and business customers, I believe Hyundai now has all the necessary ingredients to really build on the progress that it has made in the fleet sector during recent years.

"Importantly, though, we’re not chasing volumes; our strategy is closely aligned to sustainable growth in True Fleet sales.”

The Hyundai Motor UK retailer network has a renewed focus on fleet, with a new National Fleet Centre Programme.

Around 15 large fleet centres have been established around the country, with a dedicated Hyundai fleet structure, national fleet delivery capability and pre-delivery inspection capacity for over 1,000 vehicles each.

These Fleet Centres will provide support to the entire Hyundai retail network of 163 sites, ensuring each and every Hyundai dealer can play a role in fleet sales.

Hyundai introduced its new Fleet Aftersales Charter and a dedicated fleet support line. With transparent pricing and processes, the Fleet Charter sets out a commitment to reduce cost of ownership for fleets, including hourly labour rates capped at £60 (+VAT), a discount on MoT costs and a 10% discount on parts and accessories.

The Charter also guarantees a service appointment within 48 hrs, and offers a ‘Fleet Response’ service which sets a target of 60 minutes to diagnose an issue, or provide alternative onward transport.

Key fleet-friendly Hyundai models played their part in the success, with Tucson and i10 retailing 19,919 and 7,625 units respectively.

The alternatively fuelled Ioniq achieved 6,360 Fleet and Business sales.

Hyundai’s fleet-focused offerings continue to grow. Pricing for the Nexo Fuel Cell Vehicle has just been announced – at £65,995 (including plug-in car grant) – and an updated version of the Ioniq will be offered later this year, alongside a Tucson 48V mild hybrid variant.

Before the year is out, one further electrified model will also join the range, ensuring Hyundai maintains its position as a pioneer in alternative-fuel vehicles.