Forget the Germans and the Japanese for we have the Koreans gunning for World domination. We can still recall the time when Toyota said that Hyundai-Kia could be a very powerful force to reckon with in the future. More so considering the new model plan that Hyundai has come up with.

Hyundai has established itself as a brand due to the huge success it enjoyed during the scrappage scheme in various parts of the world. So, Hyundai now plans to maintain the momentum it has gained after the scheme ends into the next fiscal year.

“Scrappage has been a massive help in helping people recognise the Hyundai brand,” said Whitehorn (the firm’s UK managing director Tony Whitehorn ). “But, quite rightly, it does have to end at some point and we’re focused on maintaining our sales going into 2010 and beyond.”

Hyundai’s model blitz now includes these

Early 2010 – The ix35 will replace the Tucson in the first half of 2010 while the facelifted Santa-Fe will be launched before the end of the year. Both these models are expected to be previewed at the Auto Expo and will eventually find their way into India.

Second Half 2010 – Two new MPV’s to broaden its portfolio and strenghten these areas where Hyundai is weak. The first MPV will be a five-seater, based on the Kia Venga unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show, while a larger seven-seater will arrive at the same time.

The 5-seater will be based on the highly successful i20’s platform and will even share its engines. Whitehorn says the car’s main competitor will be the super successful Nissan Note. 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.

Late 2010 – The facelifted i10 is expected to debut even stronger with styling and trim upgrades as well as a turbocharged 800cc 3-cylinder engine.

2011 – Hyundai YF/i40/New Sonata Expected to debut at the Bologna motor show later in 2010. Saloon, hatchback and estate versions will all be offered gradually. India launch likely as the spectacular styling will be well received and provide that extra bling to the Hyundai brand.

2011 – The i30, first of the i models is not expected to get any upgrade and an all new model will be launched in early 2011.

Late 2011 – Following in 2011 will be the firm’s new flagship model, the Veloster. This will be a replacement for the Hyundai Ess Coupe and Whitehorn described it as a “halo” model rather than a volume seller.

2012 – 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. It will be a buggy.

Source

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