2020 a record year for fleet renewal, electrification at Hyundai Motor Europe

• In 2020, Hyundai renewed nearly its entire fleet, meaning more than 90 per cent of the Hyundai line-up in Europe is now less than 18 months old
• Hyundai as one of the leading providers of battery electric vehicles in Europe with almost 60,000 units sold making up over 13% of its sold fleet in 2020
• In 2021, customers can expect more electrification, more product launches, and a renewed commitment to being a purpose-driven company

Despite the challenges brought on by this year, 2020 was a record year for Hyundai Motor: in just 12 months, the company renewed nearly its entire fleet. Following a total of seven new model launches and product enhancements, more than 90 per cent of the Hyundai line-up in Europe is, as of December 2020, less than 18 months old.

Hyundai Motor renews more than 90 per cent of its European fleet

2020 was a record year for Hyundai in terms of new launches and enhancements. In Europe seven distinct models were launched or renewed – or 20, counting all body types and powertrain variations. This meant the past 12 months have been exceptionally successful for Hyundai in terms of fleet renewal. Hyundai now has one of the youngest fleets in Europe, as nearly all of its models are now less than 18 months old.

For Hyundai Motor Europe, 2020 was the Year of Electrification. At the beginning of 2020, Hyundai Motor Group announced plans to enhance its leadership in vehicle electrification, including the goal to offer 44 electrified models by 2025. In 2020, Hyundai in Europe renewed or enhanced 5 of its models with electrified version, resulting in a total number of 15 electrified models and derivatives in its European fleet. These cover every type of electrified powertrain, ranging from mild hybrid to battery-electric to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, making Hyundai the vehicle manufacturer with the most diverse powertrain line-up on the market.

Also this year, Hyundai expanded its 48-volt mild hybrid technology to several new models. Hyundai make this technology available with both gasoline and diesel engines, and with a dual-clutch transmission.

The strong move towards electrification resulted in a zero-emission vehicle fleet share of over 13% in Hyundai’s European sales. This makes Hyundai one of the leading manufacturers in electrified vehicle share and also for total sales of zero-emission vehicles. With almost 60,000 ZEVs sold in 2020, Hyundai is leading the way in Europe.

Continued progress with fuel cell technology

The expansion of its eco-mobility line-up will support Hyundai in achieving additional goals: namely, to sell 670,000 electric vehicles annually and become one of the world’s top three manufacturers of battery and fuel cell EVs by 2025. These aims were outlined in Hyundai’s “Strategy 2025” roadmap.

The Strategy was recently updated to include fuel cell leadership, where Hyundai has also made progress this year: 2020 saw the launch of a unique business case to bring hydrogen fuel cell technology to commercial shipping in Switzerland. The business case, which is operated by the joint venture Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, involves simultaneously building up hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and putting fuel cell electric vehicles on the road using commercial trucks. The first 50 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks were delivered to Switzerland in 2020.

In order to further promote hydrogen fuel cell technology, Hyundai also launched its advocacy program H2U this past year. H2U is meant to raise awareness about hydrogen fuel cell technology through a team of ambassadors. Eight ambassadors were involved in the program in 2020, spreading the message of hydrogen mobility to their various respective audiences.

Hyundai also demonstrated its fuel cell expertise at the SHIFT Mobility Conference as part of this year’s IFA. Among other activities, the company hosted a deep-dive panel discussion on current developments and challenges in the field of hydrogen fuel cell mobility. Representatives from Hyundai as well as external experts discussed the potential of fuel cell technology as a zero-emission mobility solution, including how fuel cell technology works, the role sustainable supply chains, and solutions which are both ecologically and economically sustainable.

Looking forward: what to expect from Hyundai in 2021

After setting itself up on a trajectory for success, this momentum will carry Hyundai into 2021. Customers can expect more electrification, more innovation, and more Progress for Humanity.

For one, IONIQ 5 will launch, the first battery-electric vehicle in the company’s new IONIQ line-up brand. IONIQ 5 will be a midsize CUV based on the concept ‘45’. It will also be the first vehicle based on the company’s first dedicated EV platform, known as E-GMP. The E-GMP platform will allow for long ranges, fast charging, and maximum cabin space, in addition to other benefits. IONIQ 6, a sedan based on the concept EV ‘Prophecy’, will launch in 2022, followed by IONIQ 7, a large SUV, in 2024.

Hyundai is also bringing its electrification expertise to motorsport. Hyundai Motorsport will participate in next year’s PURE ETCR, the first ever all-electric touring championship. The company will compete using the dedicated model Veloster N ETCR, which was first revealed at the IAA 2019 in Frankfurt, Germany. The high-performance battery-electric touring car, based on the roadgoing Veloster N model, will be powered by a specially-designed 500kw (680 PS) battery.

In addition to competing in the tour, Hyundai will also be supplying the power to all the cars using its hydrogen fuel cell Hyundai Generator. This will ensure that not only the cars are emissions-free, but the electricity used to power them comes from a sustainable source.

Next year, Hyundai will also expand its European SUV fleet. Bayon, an all-new crossover SUV, will launch in the first half of 2021. With a name inspired by the city of Bayonne, France, Bayon will be the smallest member of the Hyundai SUV family.

In addition, Hyundai will undertake new projects to reaffirm itself as a purpose-driven company, further underlining its commitment to Progress for Humanity and making the world a better place.

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