Sleek and Stunning... Hyundai Motors Debuts at Guangzhou Motor Show

New Customized Car Lineup Unveiled at Guangzhou Motor Show
2nd Generation Mingtu and Mingtu Electric Debut

Hyundai Motor Company's local strategy in China includes the mid-size sedan Muntu and its electric vehicle model, Muntu Electric (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Hyundai Motor Company is making an all-out effort to capture the Chinese market by promoting locally tailored strategic models. First, next year, it will launch the second-generation model of the mid-size sedan Mingtou (Mistra) and the Mingtou electric vehicle targeting the young generation in China.

Hyundai participated in the '2020 Guangzhou International Motor Show,' held from the 20th to the 29th at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China, unveiling its lineup of China-specific strategic new cars. Under the concept of 'Hyundai, Smart Game Changer,' Hyundai set up a 1,820㎡ booth. A total of 17 vehicles were exhibited, including four new models: the second-generation Mingtou, the electric model Mingtou Electric, the ix35 facelift, and the Tucson.

The second-generation Mingtou, unveiled for the first time on this day, is scheduled for release next year with the concept of a 'smart sedan that creates a better life.' With a length of 4,780 mm, width of 1,815 mm, and height of 1,460 mm, it features a sleek exterior and secures best-in-class interior space with a 2,770 mm wheelbase. The engine options include a 1.8ℓ engine and a 1.5ℓ gasoline turbo engine. The 1.8ℓ engine delivers a maximum output of 143 horsepower and maximum torque of 17.9 kgf·m, while the 1.5ℓ gasoline turbo engine produces a maximum output of 170 horsepower and maximum torque of 25.8 kgf·m. Additionally, it is equipped with high-tech features such as an integrated dual 12.3-inch display, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced ADAS functions.

Hyundai's local strategy in China: 2nd generation Mingtu mid-size sedan (Photo by Hyundai)

The electric model Mingtou Electric was also introduced. The Mingtou Electric is equipped with a 56.5 kWh battery, enabling a driving range of 520 km on a full charge. Fast charging (30?80%) takes 40 minutes, and slow charging (0?100%) takes about 9.5 hours. It features a dedicated motor with a maximum output of 183.5 ps and maximum torque of 31.6 kg·m, along with paddle-shift regenerative braking, aiming to captivate the young Chinese generation who seek driving enjoyment.

The facelift model of the China-specific mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) ix35, unveiled alongside the Mingtou, was completed with a flashy design emphasizing sculptural form and volume to suit Chinese consumers' preferences.

Facelift model of the Chinese strategic mid-size SUV ix35 (Photo by Hyundai Motor Company)

Hyundai's aggressive marketing efforts, from the China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai earlier this month to the Guangzhou Motor Show, are due to continued sluggishness in China. Hyundai's sales volume in China reached 1,142,000 units in 2016 but sharply dropped to 650,000 units last year, nearly halving. The slump, which began with the deployment issue of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, has been difficult to overcome, leading to the closure of Beijing Plant 1 last year. Having effectively failed to rebound this year, the burden on the locally tailored models launching next year has become even heavier.

A Hyundai official said, "We will continuously transform the Hyundai brand image in China by promoting local models."

Meanwhile, Hyundai prepared various experience zones and exhibitions at this Guangzhou Motor Show to showcase its technology and vision. First, it created the H SMART+ Zone, a dedicated space introducing the China-exclusive technology brand H SMART+, presenting current and future technologies based on a human-centered development philosophy. Here, a vision video was screened, conveying H SMART+'s vision and three major innovation technology directions: Clean, Connected, and Freedom. The new platform i-GMP and China-specific Avante built on this platform, as well as the 1.5T-GDi engine and 2.0T-GDi engine featuring Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology, were introduced.

To promote its global electrification strategy, Hyundai also unveiled the concept car 'Prophecy,' which suggests the future design direction of electric vehicles, the 'RM20e' previewing the electrification of the high-performance N brand, and the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle 'Nexo.'

H SMART+ Zone introducing Hyundai Motor's China-exclusive technology brand H SMART+ at the 2020 Guangzhou Motor Show (Photo by Hyundai Motor)

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.