Hyundai Motor and its corporate cousin Kia Motors said Monday they aim to increase sales and market presence in 2015 by adapting to global changes in consumer demand and by launching new cars that can better appeal to people around the world.

In a meeting of top executives representing Hyundai and Kia operations abroad, the two companies predicted overall global car sales would rise by 3.9 percent on-year to 87.1 million units, up from 80.99 million forecast for 2014.

The two firms, the flagships of Hyundai Motor Group, the world’s fifth-largest automotive conglomerate in terms of sales, did not elaborate on their combined target for the New Year other than to say it will mark an increase from the 8 million units it will likely sell this year.

It said the goal next year is to better meet consumer expectations in China and Europe and anticipate demand for more crossover SUVs and eco-friendly vehicles.

“Thanks to more carmakers who are expected to churn out ‘green’ cars as well as more subsidies offered by the government, the global market for eco-friendly cars is expected to expand 22.2 percent on-year to 2.4 million in 2015, from around 1.96 million this year,” the group said (Yonhap)