Hyundai-Kia's Q1 overseas production up 6.1% y/y; automaker to use light materials to improve fuel efficiency

Aluminium will be applied to the chassis in large quantities.

Vehicle production at Hyundai and Kia's overseas plants increased 6.1% year on year (y/y) to 1,093,881 units during the first quarter of 2014, reports the Korea Herald. Of this total, overseas production by Hyundai accounted for 754,222 units, up 4% y/y, while that by Kia stood at 339,659 units, an increase of 10.9% y/y. Meanwhile, the duo is planning to increase the usage of a variety of lighter materials such as aluminium, magnesium, and plastics in their cars to as much as 30% from the current level of 10%.