Report: Hyundai launching new brand of electrified vehicles in January: hybrid first, then PHEV and EV
09 November 2015
The Korea Times reports that Korea-based Hyundai Motor will launch its new brand of electric vehicles scheduled for January. The first model of Hyundai’s new car brand—tentatively named “AE”—will be first introduced as a hybrid electric vehicle, followed by PHEV and full-EV editions, according to the report. Hyundai Motor Group vice chairman Chung Eui-sun earlier this year declared the PHEV as the answer to the future survival of the company and the industry.
According to the report, the five-door hatchback—intended to compete with the Toyota Prius—will be equipped with a 1.6-liter Kappa gasoline direct injection engine, an electric motor and transmission tailored for the hybrid models. Hyundai expects its new hybrid to outperform the Prius.
Hyundai is already introducing a plug-in hybrid version of the Sonata. (Earlier post.)
Hyundai’s sister brand Kia Motors is also gearing up to realize a hybrid-only model, the “DE.”
“Such models are part of our vision, suggesting having 22 green cars in our lineup by 2020. By far it is going well,” a Hyundai Motor spokesman said.
—Korea Times
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