Hyundai unveils SUV Tucson, eyes 2 new models every year

Korean auto major Hyundai today unveiled sports utility vehicle ‘Tucson’ in India as it eyes a bigger play in the fast growing segment.

“We are delighted to unveil our global sports utility vehicle Tucson. We aim to launch two new products each year going ahead,” Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) MD and CEO Y K Koo told reporters here.

Stating the company’s vision for 2016, he added that HMIL’s aim is to sustain growth for strong market leadership.

Tucson, which is slated to be launched later this year, is a significant step forward in the future SUV lineup for the company, he said.

Hyundai, which sells SUVs like Creta and Santa Fe, also showcased a concept of a sub-4 meter SUV called HND-14.

The concept, which will make it eligible for reduced excise duty, will be the entry-level model for Hyundai to complete its range in the SUV segment.

HND-14 will be positioned below Creta and complete the SUV line up of the company with Tucson. Tucson is to be slotted above Creta.

According to the company, the product as of now is meant for the Indian market, but could also be exported just like Creta. It also could have a 1-litre turbo engine.

With HND-14, Hyundai’s family of SUVs will have five products, including Santa Fe, Tucson, Creta, and Active i20.

The company also showcased its high performance sub brand N at the event.
The company’s compact SUV Creta is priced between Rs 8.87 lakh and Rs 13.98 lakh. It also markets premium SUV Santa Fe in the country, which is priced up to Rs 30.79 lakh.

The company sells a total of 10 models ranging from entry-level model Eon to premium SUV Santa Fe.

HMIL, which is the largest passenger car exporter, exports to over 90 countries

across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia and the Asia Pacific.

PTI