Hyundai Czech Plant Launches Refreshed ix35 SUV

VIENNA – Volume production of the refreshed Hyundai ix35 SUV is under way at the Hyundai Motor Mfg. Czech plant in Nosovice, Czech Republic.

One of the most significant upgrades for the ix35, known as the Tucson in the U.S., is the replacement of the 2.0L Theta II gasoline engine with Hyundai’s Nu 2.0L GDI powerplant. The engine produces 166 hp.

The Korean auto maker manufactured 155,677 vehicles through June, down 4.8% from like-2012.

The Hyundai ix35 accounted for about 46.5% of the plant’s production in the year’s first half. The i30 with its three body styles, the 5- and 3-door hatchbacks plus wagon, represented 42% and the ix20 multipurpose vehicle accounted for the remaining 11.5%.

The plant’s largest market through June was Germany with 21,250 units, followed by Russia (21,059), the U.K. (14,609), Spain (9,370) and Turkey (9,175).

The Czech Republic was No.11 with 5,381 units. Hyundai says 67% of the brand’s light vehicles sold in the country through June were sourced from HMMC.

Czech-made Hyundai vehicles are exported to more than 50 countries, including Australia and Egypt.