Hyundai plots body-on-frame ute and 99 more new models by 2030

Hyundai is preparing a major product expansion that will include more than 100 global launches and updates by 2030, its first extended-range electric vehicles and a move into new segments such as body-on-frame utes.

The Korean manufacturer outlined its plans at its 2026 CEO Investor Day, where it reaffirmed a target of 5.55 million global vehicle sales annually by 2030. Electrified vehicles are expected to account for 60 per cent of that total, up from 23 per cent in 2025.

Hyundai hasn’t confirmed which of its incoming models will be offered in New Zealand. However, several could be relevant here, particularly the next Tucson, the Santa Fe EREV and the proposed mid-sized pick-up.

Read more – Hyundai announces extended range hybrid Santa Fe

“Our fundamentals have never been stronger. Hyundai Motor Group is the third-largest automotive group and the second-most profitable, which gives us the ability to invest while others are pulling back. We are bringing more than 100 new models to market by 2030 with multiple powertrain options and raising our operating margin above 9 percent. We are leveraging partnerships to scale new technologies and opportunities and becoming a physical AI company which will produce and deploy robots and robotaxis,” said Hyundai Motor Company president and CEO José Muñoz.

New Tucson and Ioniq 3 lead product push

Seven new vehicles are due to reach initial markets within the next eight months. These include the new Elantra, Ioniq 3, Tucson and Tucson Hybrid, plus a small electric SUV for India and two new compact SUVs.

The next Tucson and Tucson Hybrid will launch in their first markets during the fourth quarter of 2026. Hyundai says more than 10 million Tucsons have now been sold globally, making it the company’s most successful nameplate.

The Ioniq 3 is beginning European sales with a claimed range of 497km. It will also introduce Pleos Connect, Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation infotainment platform, although availability outside Europe hasn’t been detailed.

Body-on-frame ute planned

More interesting for Kiwi ute buyers is Hyundai’s intention to enter market segments where it currently has little representation.

Its plans include body-on-frame vehicles, with a mid-sized pick-up specifically mentioned. No technical details or launch date have been disclosed, but the separate-chassis construction suggests something more work-focused than the unibody Santa Cruz sold in North America.

Such a model would potentially give Hyundai a rival for vehicles including the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton and Kia Tasman. Whether it will be engineered for right-hand-drive markets remains unknown.

Light-commercial vehicles are also included in Hyundai’s expansion plans.

More N and Genesis models coming

Hyundai’s N performance range is targeting annual sales of 100,000 vehicles by 2030 and will gain additional models alongside a new, higher-volume performance tier.

Genesis is preparing its first hybrid, its first EREV and the GV90 flagship electric SUV. The GV80 Hybrid is due to launch in initial markets during the fourth quarter, while a Genesis EREV SUV targeting more than 1030km of range is planned for early 2027.

Hyundai is also expanding manufacturing capacity by 1.27 million vehicles annually before 2030. Alongside its product plans, the company is investing heavily in software-defined vehicles, autonomous driving and robotics, including production use of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot from 2028.