Leading auto manufacturer, Hyundai Motors India, has announced its decision to hike the exports of i20 - launched at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008 - in the non-European markets, in line with its strategy to strengthen its export base in non-European countries covering 42 new countries.

Currently, HMIL has been exporting i20 across 47 nations, primarily in Europe and some parts of Middle East, Africa and America. The auto maker aims at covering countries in Latin America, Asia-Pacific, South Africa and even Australia, stepping up the production of the vehicles.

HMIL Managing Director, HS Lheem, said: "Just as in the Indian market, i20 has been the most popular car overseas. Keeping this in mind, we have planned to increase our penetration in other key potential markets. This in turn also reiterates our commitment to emerge as a global hub for manufacturing and exporting small cars."

Hyundai, which already has orders from Israel, South Africa and Indonesia, has exported over 6500 units of premium i20 per month during the first half of 2009; and hopes to speed up exports by adding more export destinations. Hyundai has emerged as the leading auto company in Libya and expects some big orders from the country.