Hyundai Readies 8 New Models for India

Hyundai Motor Co. expects to launch eight new models, including an all-electric SUV, in India by 2020.

Five of the models will replace current vehicles in the carmaker’s Indian lineup. The first of the new cars—the entry-level Santro hatch due in October—will compete with the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Tata Diago.

In 2019, the company will debut three more new models: a next-generation Grand i10 mini five-door hatch, the compact Carlino SUV/crossover and all-electric Kona small SUV. Hyundai initially will assemble the EV from imported kits but plans to eventually make the vehicle locally.

Hyundai’s two factories near Chennai currently have combined capacity to build 700,000 vehicles per year. Production modifications that don’t require additional investment will raise that level to 737,000 units next year.

The company sold 527,000 vehicles in India in 2017. Sales through the first half of 2018 climbed 9% year-on-year to 275,100 units.

Hyundai says a downturn in exports will enable it to launch new models without adding a new plant in India at least through 2020. The carmaker began shipping knockdown kits to Vietnam earlier this year and plans to do the same to the Philippines by September. Hyundai targets overall annual export volume of 50,000 vehicles in 2019.