Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the country's largest exporter and second largest car manufacturer, today announced that its flagship model, the Santro has registered exports of more than 5 lakh units. ''I am extremely delighted to announce that the export of the Santro has reached 5 lakh units. Right from the time of its launch, this popular car has been widely appreciated for its design, technology and safety,'' said HMIL MD & CEO H W Park.

''With this we gear up for next phase of growth and remain committed in bringing world class products and service to our customers,'' he said.

The 'Made in India' Santro is now exported to more than 80 countries, HMIL said in a statement.

The company began exporting cars in 1999 when it shipped a batch of 20 Santros to Nepal and it reached the first milestone of exporting 100,000 cars in 2004. In 2005 it exported its 200,000 th car followed by its 300,000 th car and 400,000 th car in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

HMIL accounts 40 per cent of its total production to exports from India. It currently exports the Santro, i10, i20 and the Accent models to more than 115 countries across EU, Africa, West Asia, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.