The man who helped kickstart Audi's ascent up the sales charts here is now focusing his attention on two more mainstream brands: Hyundai and Chrysler.

Ron Song joined authorised Hyundai distributor Komoco Motors as director of operations on March 1. He will assist managing director Teo Hock Seng in looking after Komoco's local operations, which also includes the Chrysler dealership.

The Korean brand has recently seen its sales volume slip. Last year, the marque slipped out of the top three to become Singapore's fourth most popular brand among members of the Motor Traders Association of Singapore (MTA).

Hyundai had occupied the No 3 or No 2 spot here since 2002. But in 2006, its traditional cost advantage was eroded by rising manufacturer prices. At the same time, cheaper Japanese models like the Nissan Sunny and Mitsubishi Lancer were buoyed by lower COE premiums and a weaker Japanese yen.

Mr Song was previously with Audi distributor Premium Automobiles as managing director from July 2000 to November 2006. During that time, Premium sales increased and the company invested heavily in after-sales service. Last year, 651 cars were sold, up 21 per cent from the previous year.

It follows the global trend where Audi is also the fastest-growing premium brand, posting record sales for 11 straight years. The German carmaker sold 905,000 cars last year, up 9.2 per cent.

Before joining Premium, Mr Song was with the Eurokars Group's Rover division, which he joined after uprooting from Western Australia, where he was running a multi-brand motor franchise.