The Hyundai Group that comprises of the Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands is planning to develop additional models in Europe for the European market.
Research and development at all three brands is currently being led by Tyrone Johnson. In 2021, Johnson’s team was developing no less than 30 projects. These included the Hyundai Kona N, i20 N, and Elantra N and moving forward, the European R&D team will develop more bespoke models for Europe and lead the development for a number of global models.
Autocar reports that the companies have consolidated a handful of test sites across Europe since Johnson assumed his duties in 2018. R&D efforts are now based out of the former Opel test track in Dudenhofen, Germany and the Hyundai Group is working to double the size of its site at the Nurburgring.
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One of the most recent models developed in Europe for the European market was the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake. While it is only available with a choice between three four-cylinder engines and not the automaker’s flagship 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, it has been well-received and is also now available in Australia. Indeed, the magazine says that the reception to the car has been so strong that it may also be sold in South Korea in the future.
A number of new models are also being developed by the three car manufacturers. Among these are the Hyundai Ioniq 7, Kia EV9, and Genesis GV90, all expected to be three-row SUVs that will follow in the footsteps of the smaller Ioniq 5, EV6, and GV60, sharing the same underpinnings but adopting unique exterior and interior designs. The Ioniq 7 and EV9 have already been previewed in concept guise and all three electric SUVs are expected to hit the market by 2024.
