Hyundai Drives into India's Hybrid Future, Plans SUV Launch by 2026

Hyundai Motor Group is gearing up to introduce its first hybrid vehicle in India by as early as 2026, aiming to expand its footprint in the country beyond electric vehicles. The conglomerate is reportedly considering launching a hybrid sport-utility vehicle, roughly the size of a mid-sized Creta SUV, catering to the Indian market. With Hyundai ranking as the second-largest car manufacturer in India, this strategic move underscores the company's commitment to diversifying its offerings.

Both Hyundai Motor and Kia Corp, subsidiaries of the group, are eyeing the introduction of hybrid SUVs between 2026 and 2027. Despite their emphasis on electric vehicle (EV) initiatives, the automakers are recognizing the significance of hybrid technology in addressing the evolving automotive landscape. As revealed in a Reuters report, Hyundai is steadfast in its pursuit of electrified mobility, emphasizing the optimization of product strategies tailored to individual markets.

The decision to pivot towards hybrids aligns with Hyundai's observation of a surge in technology sales within India, positioning the country as its third-largest revenue contributor after South Korea and the United States. Moving away from a singular focus on battery electric vehicles, the company aims to leverage hybrid solutions to navigate challenges such as pricing constraints and insufficient charging infrastructure that have hindered EV adoption in India.