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Hyundai Motors' profit falls to lowest level in five years

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HyundaiImage source, Getty Images

South Korea's biggest carmaker, Hyundai Motors, has seen its quarterly profit fall to its lowest level in five years.

to September fell to 1.2tn won ($1.1bn; £713m), a drop of 25% compared with the same period last year.

That was lower than forecasts - which were for around 1.5tn won.

Hyundai's numbers were hurt by a fall in sales in China and weaker than expected sales in the US - its two biggest markets.

The one bright spot was in India, where the firm reported a sales increase of 13.8%. However, overall the South Korean giant said global retail sales were down 0.9%.

Its South-Korean listed shares fell 1.8% on the news.

The car maker has blamed tough international competition and currency headwinds for is disappointing results this year. Sales in another major market - Russia - were down close to 5% for the period as the falling value of the rouble hurt earnings.

Hyundai is the world's fifth largest automaker when combined with local affiliate Kia Motors.