GV70e·EV6·Tucson HEV... Hyundai Motor Group Aims to Reclaim Chinese Market with Eco-Friendly Cars

Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Genesis to Participate in the 2021 Guangzhou International Motor Show

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Hyundai Motor Group has announced its return to the Chinese market by showcasing a large number of its latest eco-friendly vehicle models at the Guangzhou International Motor Show. Amid ongoing difficulties in the Chinese market following the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on the Korean Peninsula, attention is focused on whether Hyundai Motor Group's premiumization and electrification strategies will succeed in regaining its foothold.

According to industry sources on the 19th, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled its latest eco-friendly lineup at the Guangzhou Motor Show held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, until the 28th. The lineup includes the electrified Genesis GV70 model, the China-specific Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and the Kia EV6.

The GV70 electrified model, which had its world premiere on this day, is a derivative of the internal combustion engine GV70. It significantly enhances product competitiveness by maintaining the interior comfort of the existing model while applying excellent electric vehicle power performance and various new technologies. Equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery, it offers a driving range of over 400 km on a single charge (based on domestic certification standards), and with a 350 kW ultra-fast charger, it can charge from 10% to 80% battery capacity in just 18 minutes.

Genesis is the brand responsible for Hyundai Motor Group's premiumization strategy that will be intensified in China. Since launching the Genesis brand in the Chinese market in April and unveiling models such as the G80 and GV80, it has received considerable positive response. At the Shanghai Motor Show, the G80 electrified model was unveiled worldwide for the first time. Marcus Henne, head of Genesis China, stated, "The world premiere of the GV70 electrified model demonstrates the Genesis brand's commitment to the Chinese market," adding, "We hope that Genesis's new electrified model will help move toward a sustainable future."

Hyundai and Kia also signaled their ‘revival’ in the world's largest eco-friendly vehicle market, China, by exhibiting the China-specific Tucson Hybrid and EV6, respectively. The China-specific Tucson HEV, an eco-friendly derivative of the basic model launched in April, is equipped with a 2.0 GDI hybrid engine with significantly improved fuel efficiency and a hybrid-dedicated 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai plans to launch the China-specific Tucson Hybrid and the China-specific Tucson N Line by the end of this year.

Additionally, Hyundai displayed the Ioniq 5 and the China-specific Nexo hydrogen fuel cell vehicle at the exhibition, highlighting its status as a global electrification brand. Jin Yong-il, head of brand marketing at Hyundai Motor Group China Limited (HMGC), said, "In line with the Chinese government's 2060 carbon neutrality policy, Hyundai Motor Group will also contribute to reducing carbon emissions and strengthen its position in the eco-friendly market within China."

Kia unveiled its dedicated electric vehicles, the EV6 and EV6 GT Line. Scheduled for release at the end of next year, the EV6 is the company's first dedicated electric vehicle presenting a blueprint for next-generation mobility based on Kia's mid- to long-term business strategy, Plan S, reflecting the company's high expectations. Kia plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup in the Chinese market annually, starting with the EV6.

Ryu Chang-seung, General Manager of Dongfeng Yueda Kia, said in his welcoming speech, "China is leading the development of the global electric vehicle market," adding, "Starting next year, we will launch at least one dedicated electric vehicle model annually to meet consumers' needs for sustainable mobility."

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