Hyundai had a challenging year in China in 2024, with sales declining by more than a third. However, the brand saw strong performance in South Korea, The Americas, India, and Europe. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Hyundai, along with Genesis, Kia, and Mobis, plans to invest a record amount of 24.3 trillion won (US$16.6 bn). This investment will focus on R&D, positioning the OEM’s three marques and in-house Tier 1 for future growth.
In China, Hyundai aims to address the issues causing the sales decline by introducing more hybrids, including a range extender powertrain, and market-specific EVs. The company plans to launch new models tailored to the Chinese market, as some existing models like the Sonata, ix25, and Santa Fe may not be replaced when their life cycles end.
In terms of future models, Hyundai has a lineup of cars, MPVs, pick-ups, crossovers, SUVs, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in the pipeline. The i10, i20, and i30 models are set for replacements in the coming years, with the i30 targeting European markets. The Sonata, Grandeur, and Staria are also due for updates and expansions.
Hyundai is working on a JV pick-up model with General Motors, set to launch in 2027, as well as an electric pick-up project with potential models named Ioniq 7 and Ioniq 10. The Santa Cruz monocoque pick-up will see a replacement in 2027, featuring a hybrid powertrain.
Crossovers and SUVs like the Inster, Venue, and Kona are also on the roadmap for updates and replacements. The Ioniq 5, an electric-only crossover, will see a follow-up model in 2027 based on the E-GMP platform. The Santa Fe is set to gain a range extender in 2026, with a successor planned for late 2028 or early 2029.
Hyundai’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Initium, is scheduled to start production in May, with an annual target of 30,000 units. This successor to the Nexo model aims to continue the brand’s commitment to FCEVs.
Overall, Hyundai’s future vehicle lineup showcases a mix of traditional and electric models, catering to various markets and driving innovation in the automotive industry. With a strong focus on R&D and investment, Hyundai is poised for growth and success in the years to come.
