When Korean automaker Hyundai began development of its dedicated eco-vehicles nearly six years ago, Kia’s U.S. team was adamant the brand’s entrant be a CUV, not a car.
Hyundai has been dabbling in motorsports leading up to the i30N’s September debut, including putting a near-production version of the car in last month’s 24 hours of Nürburgring race.
A top Toyota safety official says putting autonomous technology in base grades of less-expensive models is a way to keep self-driving vehicles within reach of mass-market buyers.
The Hyundai vice chairman reiterates the desire to offer CUVs from A to E segments and says the new Kona B-CUV will get EV and FCEV versions next year in Korea.
The Korean automaker has a lot riding on its new B-CUV, which it notes is in a very competitive segment. The group includes the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and Jeep Renegade.
Communicating how vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure technology will improve the lives of city dwellers will be keys to its acceptance, panelists at an automotive technology conference say.