
In the next three years, Hyundai Motor India, the nation’s second-biggest automaker, aims to enter the hybrid vehicle segment. According to Autocar India, sources said that the South Korean manufacturer is aiming to include a hybrid powertrain as part of its electrified future in India, which is a departure from the pure EV future planned in the past.
The sources also stated that Hyundai Motor Group’s executive chairman, Euisun Chung, recently informed employees in India that hybrids, as well as electric cars, will be a key part of the company’s portfolio in the nation. Chung had addressed a town hall earlier in the month, presenting a long-term plan for the Indian market.
In the future, Hyundai is probably going to include hybrid powertrain options for its midsize SUVs and sedans. As per sources close to the development, it may be added to cars like the Creta, Alcazar, Verna, and possibly the larger Tucson SUV in the upcoming ten years.
To be sure, Kia has already committed to launching hybrid vehicles in India, but Hyundai remained non-committal on introducing that technology, with the investment being prioritized on pure battery electric vehicles. “While the company has stuck with diesel engines post BS6 Phase II, post 2027, the cost to meet future emission norms for diesel will make it even more expensive and hence, it makes sense to look at hybrid technology for midsize vehicles to remain competitive,” said another person who requested be anonymous, as per Autocar India.