New Delhi, Jul 2 (IANS): Automobile major Hyundai Motor Monday reported a rise of 3.5 percent in its overall June sales, due to increase in exports to Africa and South America.

"We are witnessing good volumes in South America and Africa. The Eon is being particularly well received in Africa and the i10 is strong in South America," said Arvind Saxena, director, marketing and sales, Hyundai Motors India.

The overall sales, including exports in June, stood at 54,354 units from 52,521 units sold in the corresponding period of 2011.

Domestic sales were up by 0.2 percent at 30,450 units from 30,402 units sold in the last corresponding month of 2011. Exports on the other hand grew by 8.1 percent at 23,904 units from 22,119 units shipped out in the corresponding period of last year.

According to Saxena, buyers' sentiments are hit by high fuel and interest cost and the market is expected to remain bearish.

"The general inflationary trend, high fuel prices, interest rates that are still high are keeping sentiment low. Unless any triggers get activated, sentiment is not expected to improve very much," Saxena added.

Segment-wise, sales of A2 category which includes hatchback cars like Eon, Santro, i10 and i20 stood at 44,046 units, followed by A3 sedan segment which includes Accent and Verna at 10,182 units and A5 luxury sedan segment which includes Sonata at 39 units and sports utility vehicle (SUV) Santa Fe at 87 units.