Hyundai flags tough 2019 as demand from US, China remian sluggish

The group said it would launch a premium Genesis SUV and the Sonata sedan this year, among other new models

South Korea's Hyundai Motor Group flagged another year of tepid car sales growth on the back of a slow 2018, saying trade protectionism added uncertainty and major markets such as the United States and China remained sluggish.

In his first New Year address to employees, group heir apparent Euisun Chung said Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motors Corp would together launch 13 new or face-lifted models in 2019.

He also promised to complete a restructuring of South Korea's second-biggest conglomerate, which is expected to pave the way for him to formally succeed his octogenarian father as head of the group.

The complicated succession