WYCOMBE-based Hyundai Motor UK Limited (HMUK) plan to double the number of cars sold in Great Britain by 2008 to around 80,000.

Under direct factory ownership, the new company has ambitious plans to be one of the top five manufacturers in the world.

It wants to secure more than three per cent of the UK market share and make products even more appealing to customers.

It also revealed that the future of about 200 sales and marketing jobs in the area are safe. A spokesman said that as far as he was aware it was "business as usual" at the Wycombe offices and there were no plans to move staff elsewhere.

Commenting on the latest development, Ike Oh, president of the European division said: "Hyundai Motor UK Limited will strengthen the Hyundai brand presence in the UK and tailor the specifications of our vehicles more precisely to the particular needs and wants of customers.

"Car buyers are looking for excellent products, and a make that provides them with the highest level of sales and service quality. These values are the foundation of Hyundai's brand philosophy. Our aim is to communicate these values to the UK market and extend our loyal customer base."

New managing director of HMUK, Ray Pope (pictured below), said: "This is without doubt the most exciting development in the history of Hyundai in the UK and Europe.

"The change from independent importer to manufacturer owned operation brings a number of key benefits for Hyundai customers in the UK.

"Chief among these will be our ability to invest much more, both in terms of money and time into ensuring we have one of the best retail networks in the UK."

Hyundai Motor UK Limited employs around 200 and has 165 dealerships across the country.