Only govt can improve market sentiment, says Hyundai CEO on auto slowdown

I have gathered that the slowdown is primarily related to poor customer sentiment in a poor economic scenario, says S S Kim

South Korean automaker Hyundai is looking to stir up customer sentiment by introducing a new compact car, even as sales in the auto sector remain at an all-time low. In an interview with Arindam Majumder, the company’s Chairman and Managing Director S S Kim explains the reasons for the slowdown and the mode which could lead to recovery. Edited excerpts:

Why are you launching the Grand i10 Nios at a time when there is a palpable gloom?

The market downturn can be changed only through efforts by both government and auto companies. I think to make a customer more