Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Mong-koo on Monday urged overseas operational chiefs to brace for a slowdown in the car market next year.

Chung was briefed at a meeting with some 70 heads of global operations of Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors on this year’s sales performance and key issues across regions.

He is said to have thanked them for supporting the Korean auto giant to achieve this year’s sales goal despite difficult economic conditions in key markets such as Europe and the U.S.

Though the global car market is expected to face difficulties next year, he still pinned high hopes on overseas operations to continue the sales momentum of Hyundai and Kia brand cars.

Chung called for, among other things, product quality based on better communication with contractors and an enhanced sales network by nurturing talented car dealers.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)