Hyundai mulls adding another crossover in the US

Hyundai HB20X

The next Hyundai vehicle in North America is likely to be a crossover, reports Edmunds. Hyundai Motor America president and CEO John Krafcik told the online publication that although the crossover market is booming, the carmaker is “very under-represented” in that segment.

“We lead the industry in sedans, we have a bunch of them,” Krafcik was quoted as saying. “But if you look at our crossover line, we (only) have two nameplates, the Tucson and the Santa Fe.”

He said that Hyundai has around a 7% share of the sedan market, but only 2% of the truck segment, which is the category crossovers and SUVs fall into in the US.

“Our growth potential in where we might want to put future products probably would be on the crossover side of the table,” said Krafcik. “There are no plans for that right now, (but) it does seem like there is a lot of action in stuff below RAV4– and Tucson-sized vehicles. A new segment is emerging.”

Edmunds reports that the carmaker could come out with a crossover that’s smaller than the Tucson. If it happens, the vehicle would go up against the likes of the Ford EcoSport, Buick Encore/Chevrolet Trax and Nissan Juke. How about a US version of the Brazil-only Hyundai HB20X (pictured)?

At one point, Hyundai had three crossovers on sale in the US – the Tucson, Santa Fe and Veracruz. Sold in some European nations as the ix55, the Veracruz was based on the Santa Fe, but was larger and positioned above it. Poor demand prompted the big Hyundai’s exit in 2012.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • gOOsh on Jul 19, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    awat model2 hyundai ni makin hari makin hodoh…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 10
  • Jackson on Jul 19, 2013 at 3:12 pm

    Hyundai, build this for Malaysian market please. So that we can have bigger selection in this segment. Mini SUV priced around RM75K-100K max. Other than the Suzuki Jimny, Ford Ecosport, Honda Jazz-based SUV, Toyota Rush. Nissan Juke is too highly priced if it were to come into Malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • Beetle Nut on Jul 19, 2013 at 4:20 pm

    That brown colour reminds me of what I excreted out this morning…yucks! But by all means go for it Hyundai!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • kambinganas on Jul 19, 2013 at 5:29 pm

      If that is what you berak in the morning, please go see doktor and get some ubat.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
 

Add a comment

required

required