Hyundai vice-president Allan Rushforth has taken on a new role as senior vice-president and chief operating officer for the car-maker’s European operations with immediate effect.

Since joining the company as vice-president in 2007, Mr Rushforth has overseen a period of strong, sustained growth for Hyundai on the continent, delivering ambitious sales targets, excellence in customer satisfaction and sustained dealer profitability in what Hyundai has termed its most important region in the world, Hyundai said.

Hyundai looks set to register its best ever annual sales in Europe, with over 330.000 units sold between January and November 2010. This equates to a record market share of 2.6 per cent.

Mr Rushforth was recognised for his contribution to this success at the 2010 Paris Motor Show when he was named ‘Sales and Marketing Executive Eurostar’ by the continent’s leading motor trade publication, Automotive News Europe.

Hyundai Motor Europe president Chang-Kyun Han said: “Hyundai is establishing itself as a major player in Europe and Mr Rushforth’s contribution to our recent progress cannot be overstated. He has helped to increase the professionalism of the brand’s sales, marketing and distribution activities.”

Mr Rushforth added: “When I joined Hyundai over three years ago we had just launched the i30. This model proved to be a watershed moment for the brand and it has been a privilege to work with my colleagues since then, striving to elevate our image in the minds of European motorists.

Next year represents an exciting new stage in Hyundai’s European journey with the launch of the stunning D-segment challenger, i40, at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.”