Hyundai Announces Plans for 26 New Hybrid, Plug-in and Hydrogen Cars
In the next four years, the Hyundai Motor Group – which includes the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands – will blitz the market with 26 new green vehicles, ranging from conventional hybrids to plug-ins to pure battery-electric cars.
It’s a risky move (especially in light of how low gas prices have fallen in the last few years), but a responsible and sensible one as we move into a future rife with the inevitable consequences of climate change. After its barrage of green vehicles strikes the market, only Toyota will be able to compete with Hyundai in terms of number of models using alternative powertrain technology.
The automaker’s current line-up of battery and hydrogen-powered models accounts for less than one percent of its total global volume. Last year, the brand’s worldwide hybrid and plug-in sales totaled 42,900. The Kia brand sold 18,735 hybrids and 8,450 of its Soul EV models.
However, Hyundai expects demand will quadruple by 2020. Eco-car Chief Lee Ki-Sang says by the time that happens, the company will be selling roughly 300,000 eco-friendly cars annually.
The full lineup will include 12 hybrids, six plug-ins, two pure battery-electric vehicles and two hydrogen cars.
Last month, we got a taste of what’s to come when Hyundai unveiled the Inoiq, a hybrid “eco-focused” car which Hyundai says is the first in the world to offer three distinct electrified powertrains on a single vehicle platform.
“Ioniq will attract an entirely new group of eco- and efficiency-oriented buyers in the US market,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president of corporate and product planning for Hyundai Motor America. “With outstanding powertrain flexibility, design, connectivity and advanced technologies, Ioniq meets the needs of a large and growing group of buyers needing a highly efficient, low-emissions vehicle without compromise to their daily lifestyles.”
There’s also the Kia Niro, which Michael Cole, COO of Kia Motors Europe says, “offer[s] buyers a compelling blend of crossover practicality with the cool, modern styling for which Kia is famous, and an efficient new hybrid powertrain to keep running costs down.”
The Niro was announced at the Chicago Auto Show in February and has taken off in Europe thanks to its compact body and high efficiency.
Maybe it’s time you got ahead of the curve and considered one of Hyundai’s hybrid cars before the 2020 rush? Not sure whether the Soul or the Tucson is the best fit for you? Doubtful that an EV has the kind of power you need? We’re happy to answer all your questions, or let you find the answers for yourself from behind the wheel. Come visit us at Rosen Hyundai for a test drive and a chat today.
