Hyundai's Future Plans For UK Market

Hyundai is planning to Strengthen its Presence in the UK after gaining a good amount to leverage from the country's scrappage scheme. Kicking things off is the face lifted Tucson set to go on sale within weeks.

Fast forward to the first quarter of 2010, its replacemant the Hyundai ix35 will further give the Korean Car maker the boost.

In the second half of 2010, the firm will launch two new MPVs in an attempt to broaden its range and compete in market sectors where it has previously struggled. The first model will be based upon the Kia Venga unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show, while a larger seven-seater will arrive at the same time.

The five-seater will be based on the firm’s i20 supermini platform and will share its engine with that model. Whitehorn says the car’s main competitor will be the Nissan Note; that means the car will, in effect, be the replacement for the unloved Matrix. It will share its engines with the i20 and will adopt the firm’s ‘i’ badge.

Whitehorn further added that the seven-seater is likely to be based on the i-mode concept car, displayed at the Geneva motor show in 2008. This model will be a rival to the Vauxhall Zafira, sharing its platform and engines with the i30 hatchback.





The stylish i40 sedan is also set to go on sale in 2011 with the possibility of launch during the Bologna motor show later in 2010. Saloon, hatchback and estate versions will all be offered.


It was sometime ago when Hyundai announced its 800cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine. It is now confirmed that the power plant will make it to he popular i10 city car which will receive cosmetic & trim updates.

Production version of the Veloster concept could roll-off the production plant in 2011 according to Whitehorn. Though he said that firm's new flagship model won't contribute much to sales numbers.

Finally, a production version of the ix-metro concept from Frankfurt should arrive in 2012. The source said it would “look much the same as the concept” and will be pitched as a rival to the Nissan Qazana.







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