Genesis to Plug In with New "Green" Models

Hyundai Motor Co. and its new Genesis luxury sub-brand are developing plug-in hybrid variants of several unspecified vehicles that the company plans to launch in coming years.

Plug-in hybrids and other alternative-propulsion systems likely will play a larger role in the luxury market than in mainstream models, Dave Zuchowski, who heads Hyundai’s North American operations, tells Automotive News. He expects plug-in hybrids to grow in popularity because they couple much of the environmental benefits of a pure EV along with longer driving ranges.  

But Hyundai still views hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as the best long-term solution, AN notes. The carmaker began limited sales of a fuel cell version of its Tucson compact SUV (known as the ix35 outside the U.S.) last year. Hyundai and its Kia Motors Corp. affiliate both plan to launch dedicated fuel cell models by 2020, although sales volumes are expected to remain low for a decade or more.  

Despite a relatively late start, Hyundai is rapidly increasing its “green” car portfolio and aims to be second behind Toyota in such offerings by 2020. The carmaker launched the Ioniq hybrid compact sedan earlier this year with plans for plug-in and all-electric variants of the vehicle in coming years.

At the same time, Hyundai is launching the new Genesis lineup with the rebadged G90 full-size sedan, which was formerly known as the Equus. Compact and midsize Genesis sedans also are in the works along with a pair of crossover models later in the decade.