Hyundai once again is splitting off a model line into a separate brand. A few years ago Hyundai turned flagship Genesis models into a separate luxury brand, now IONIQ models are becoming a dedicated electric vehicle brand.
It’s a response to the growing popularity of EVs, and their role in what is being described as the “connected lifestyle”.
Rebirth of IONIQ
The term IONIQ fuses “ion” and “unique”, and originally was a a long-term research and development project focused on eco-friendly mobility.
Based on the project, in 2016 Hyundai introduced its first vehicle named IONIQ. It was a game-changer – the world’s first and only model to offer a choice of three electrified powertrain options – hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid and battery electric – within a single body type.
IONIQ models are both affordable and energy efficient, something that has been the hallmark of the Hyundai brand.
And it will remain an all-caps brand, unlike parent Hyundai or sibling Genesis..
According to Hyundai, IONIQ represents its “growing commitment to sustainability and innovation and will be instrumental in achieving the company’s clean mobility goals”.
It is unclear whether Hyundai will continue to market its own line of EVs, including the Kona EV.
Hyundai launched the new brand by taking over the London Eye.
IONIQ 5 / IONIQ 6 / IONIQ 7
Hyundai will be launching a range of numerically named EVs under the new brand, with the even numbers used for sedans and the odd numbers for SUVs. That’s helpful to know.
The first model under the IONIQ brand will be the IONIQ 5 midsize CUV scheduled to launch in early 2021.
IONIQ 5 is based on the concept EV ‘45’, which Hyundai unveiled at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2019 in Frankfurt as an homage to the company’s very first concept car.
IONIQ 5’s designers took inspiration from the past and integrated it with cutting-edge parametric pixels, a unique design element that Hyundai designers will continue to incorporate into future IONIQ models.
In 2022, Hyundai will introduce IONIQ 6 sedan, which is based on the company’s latest concept EV ‘Prophecy’, an aerodynamic beauty unveiled in March; followed by IONIQ 7, a large SUV in early 2024.
IONIQ vehicles will have a common theme of ‘Timeless Value’.
While Hyundai says that means the vehicles will be inspired by past models, we are hoping it also means affordable pricing and Hyundai’s legendary and generous warranty program are also included.
E-GMP Platform
IONIQ brand models will sit on an Electric Global Modular Platform, known as E-GMP, that will enable fast charging capability and plentiful driving range.
The EV-dedicated platform provides a flexible internal space, described as a “smart living space”, with highly adjustable seats, wireless connectivity and unique features such as a glove box designed as drawers, and controls that are simple, intuitive and ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use.
Strategy 2025
Hyundai Motor Group recently announced that the group aims to sell one million units of battery electric vehicles, and intends to take a 10 percent of the global EV field by 2025.
Under Strategy 2025, the Korean-based company aims to become the world’s third-largest automaker of eco-friendly vehicles by 2025, with 560,000 BEV sales in addition to FCEV sales.
The launch of the IONIQ brand dedicated to EV models reinforces the company’s commitment to clean mobility and reflects its ongoing transformation as a Smart Mobility Solution Provider with zero-emissions solutions.
Find more Information about IONIQ Brand at: www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/brand/ioniq-launch
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