South Korean automaker Hyundai said it will launch two new electric vehicle (EV) models in Japan in early 2014, underscoring its efforts to gain market share in the auto industry's "hometown" amid a global electric vehicle race.
In a statement released on May 16, Hyundai announced two upcoming models, the Kona Electric starting later this year and the upgraded IONIQ 5N in early 2024. Both models have been officially launched by Hyundai in the domestic market and some international markets since April 2023.
Despite being South Korea’s largest automaker, Hyundai had to cease operations in the Japanese market since 2009 due to poor sales. In May 2022, Hyundai decided to return to the neighboring country, as rising demand for electric vehicles brought new expectations and opportunities in a market dominated by Toyota.
Hyundai CEO Chang Jae-hoo said the company will approach the Japanese market with its latest technologies, slowly but surely, under the motto of Progress for Humanity. Since last year, Hyundai has been testing the market by selling its Nexo hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle and IONIOQ 5 midsize hybrid crossover through a single online sales platform.
As of April 2023, Hyundai has sold a total of 708 electric vehicles in Japan.
The IONIQ 5 is expected to compete directly with two battery-powered models from Japanese manufacturers - Toyota's bZ4X SUV and Nissan's Ariya SUV, while the Kona will target mainstream customers looking to make the switch to low-emission vehicles.
Along with the launch of the two new models, Hyundai plans to launch a Car Buyer Guarantee Program, under which buyers of Hyundai zero-emission models in Japan can get free periodic inspections for three years and a repair voucher worth about 1 million won ($750) at non-branded repair shops.
(According to VNA )
Source link
Comment (0)