New Delhi: Auto major Hyundai Motor India Thursday said it will be stepping up the shipment of hatchback ‘i20´ and aims to increase its export base to 42 non-European countries.

The car maker said it would step up the export of ‘i20´ in the non-European markets.

“In light of Hyundai Motor India’s growing role to make India a manufacturing hub, it plans to increase its export base to 42 non-European countries,” the firm said in a statement.

In order to meet the growing demand, Hyundai has stepped up the production of the i20 range at its Sreeperumbedur plant, outside Chennai to increase its penetration in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, South Africa and Australia.

“As in the Indian market, i20 has been the most popular car overseas. We have planned to increase our penetration in other key potential markets. This in turn also reiterates our commitment to emerge as a global hub for manufacturing and exporting small cars,” HMIL MD H S Lheem said.

Hyundai aims to increase export volumes manifold and enhance presence in Europe as well as non-European markets.

In the first half of 2009, Hyundai exported over 6,500 units of premium hatchback i20 per month and this is likely to go up to 10,000 units per month with the addition of these new export destinations.