
European vehicle sales are likely to grow in 2014 for the first time in seven years, though unemployment and the lingering impact of sovereign debt problems will limit the extent, a think tank affiliated with Hyundai Motor Group said.

European vehicle sales are likely to grow in 2014 for the first time in seven years, though unemployment and the lingering impact of sovereign debt problems will limit the extent, a think tank affiliated with Hyundai Motor Group said.

Hyundai plans to build 300,000 cars this year at its plant in the Czech Republic and keep production at full capacity in the coming years.

Japanese automakers are taking steps to win back business in Europe, bringing out new cars with small fuel-efficient diesel engines and smart interiors.

Hyundai Motor Co. reached a preliminary agreement with its South Korean union to raise wages, paving the way for the end of a strike that’s resulted in an estimated 1 trillion won ($910 million) in lost output.

Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. workers in South Korea have agreed to go on strike for a second straight year to demand higher wages.