Hyundai and Kia brand vehicles are accelerating expansion in emerging markets such as the Middle East and Africa.

According to Hyundai Motor Group on Sunday, Hyundai Motor and its affiliate Kia Motors saw record sales in the Middle East last year, selling 278,515 and 186,504 vehicles, respectively, in the first 11 months.

Hyundai’s car sales are expected to surpass the 300,000 mark there for the first time, while Kia seeks to achieve a record sale of some 200,000 units.

Hyundai has already become a big name in countries such as Israel, Jordan and Syria where the carmaker maintains No. 1 status. Sales growth amounted to 70 percent in United Arab Emirates and 80 percent in Kuwait compared to last year.

Kia is also expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia, the largest car market in Middle East, with car sales soaring to more than 40,000 vehicles, a 32 percent increase from a year ago.

Their strong performance was more apparent in Africa last year, selling 243,729 vehicles in the first 11 months.

Especially in the South African market, Africa’s largest, Hyundai’s car sales exceeded 50,000 units for the first time, while Kia growth of 61 percent to sell 25,715 vehicles.

The combined market share of the two companies increased from 3.5 percent to 5.2 percent last year.

“Considering that global competition will get fiercer in major markets such as the United States, Europe and China, it is significant that Hyundai and Kia has continued strong sales in emerging markets,” said a Hyundai official.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)