Insiders with Hyundai Motors told Reuters that the Korean automaker is considering developing another SUV.
Hyundai already produces two SUVs in the United States currently: the Tucson (which just debuted a redesign) and the Santa Fe, both of which are basic and compact–or involve fuel cells. The company is also probably producing the urban-oriented Santa Cruz, but that’s more of a bulky ute. Hyundai will also be discontinuing production of its biggest SUV, the Veracruz, in July.
Thus, the automaker currently has a gap in its lineup: a refined, premium SUV. News from Reuters is that Hyundai is considering filling this gap with a luxury SUV based on the underpinnings of its surprisingly successful Genesis sedan.
Hyundai Needs a Luxury, Genesis-Based Sport Utility Vehicle
Ever since the Santa Cruz concept debuted at the Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai–as well as all of its critics–have pointed out the automaker’s abundance of sedans and shortage of trucks or SUVs. Unfortunately, that reality has been hurting the automaker’s sales figures as interest in the best-selling Elantra and Sonata have begun to wane.
The addition of a luxury SUV would not only bring more customers to Hyundai but improve the brand’s overall image as a respectable product.
Hopefully, this rumor is true and will continue bringing Hyundai up to speed with other automakers who have been launching SUVs. Just don’t expect to see anything available in dealerships for another couple years–if at all.
News Source: Reuters
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