Hyundai Motor Group is now the world's third-largest automaker in terms of sales volume.

Hyundai Motor Group said Monday that its global sales volume from January to June of this year stood at 3.3 million vehicles, coming in third behind Volkswagen Group, which sold 4 million vehicles, and Toyota, which ranked first with 5.1 million vehicles sold.

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance followed behind Hyundai with 3.14 million vehicles and Stellantis with 3.01 million vehicles sold.

Hyundai Motor Group ranked fifth in the first half of last year.

Experts say the production setbacks of global automakers due to the shortage of semiconductors contributed to Hyundai Motor Group's rise in the global market.

Hyundai Motor and affiliate Kia Corp. saw a 5.1 percent decrease in sales during the first half of this year compared to a year ago, but the gap was smaller than that of the other automotive groups.

Toyota's sales decreased by 6 percent, Volkswagen by 14 percent, Stellantis by 16 percent, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance by 17.3 percent and GM by 18.6 percent compared to the same period last year.

An increase in sales of Hyundai Motor's luxury Genesis brand and a strategy of entering the eco-friendly car market in its early stage also contributed to the rise of Hyundai Motor Group's global ranking.

Genesis vehicle sales totaled 25,668 units in the U.S., the world's second-largest automobile market, during the first half of 2022, setting a new record for the highest sales in the first half of the year.

According to Bloomberg, Hyundai Motor Group sold 27,000 EVs in the U.S. market between January and May of this year, ranking second after Tesla on the back of the popularity of the Ioniq 5 and EV6.

"It seems that Hyundai Motor Group's unique potential to use the unprecedented crisis in the automobile industry as an opportunity, such as the supply shortage of semiconductors and the transition to electrification, seems to have excelled," an automobile industry official said.

Source: Korea Times

Concept cars are all about capturing our imaginations. We want them to be big and bold and to truly stand out from the crowd. Which is needed now more than ever, in a car world where so many designs are dull and drab. Unless you are Hyundai, however. Hyundai is just knocking it out of the park right now with their ultra-cool car designs, just take a look at the Ioniq 5 and the new Ioniq 6. Two of the best, if not the best, designed EVs in the world right now.

They’ve not rested on their laurels either. Hyundai recently unveiled two new concept cars. One was the N Vision 74, a hydrogen fuel-cell car inspired by the 1974 Pony Coupe concept and the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo. The other was the RN22e, an electric powered concept using the Hyundai E-GMP platform and with the Ioniq 6’s body design. These are two of the coolest concept cars of 2022 and will likely be unbeaten. We’ve already explored the N Vision 74, so let's take a look at the RN22e and why we love this car so much.

Getting To Know The Hyundai RN22e Concept

The RN22e is all about continuing Hyundai’s vision on electrification. And they’ve certainly done it with a striking design. It is based upon the Ioniq 6 body, and utilizes the E-GMP platform that has been used so successfully in the Ioniq 5, will be used in the Ioniq 6 and has also seen use in sister company Kia’s equally brilliant EV6. Hyundai says the name signifies that the car is a rolling lab of the N brand, developed in 2022 with EV performance. But most people will be instantly drawn to that eye-catching design.

The car is quite striking. The design of the Ioniq 6 is very streamlined, which will help the RN22e leverage the aerodynamic features of the EV. There are plenty of motorsport inspired details too. The low ground clearance for starters, and the wide and sturdy stance with the broad and emphasized shoulders. The car properly stands out. A large rear wing at the back further adds to the motorsport look, as does the lower bumper. It isn’t as radical as the N Vision 74, but it is gorgeous and certainly one of the best concept cars we’ve seen in a long time.

The Specifications Of The RN22e

There is plenty to be excited about under the skin of the RN22e as well. The N range of Hyundai’s are developed with cornering capability in mind, and with the e-LSD, Corner Carving Differential on the RN22e, the concept will feel an utter joy in the corners. The RN22e is heavier than a lot of N cars, but Hyundai say that enhances its performances through the corners, also via it exploring torque vectoring by twin clutch. But to keep some weight down, Hyundai have used 3D printed parts that not only lower the overall weight but keep the rigidity of the car too.

As you might expect, the RN22e is all-wheel drive, which allows for fully optimized torque distribution via the different drive modes. Those modes allow the driver to choose the torque power on the front and the rear wheels of the car. Cooling and braking performance was a big focus given the cars track capability. Four piston monoblock callipers and a 400 mm hybrid disc give great braking performance, allowing the car to withstand the weight of its power electric system. But Hyundai is also using the car to study dynamic movement with regenerative-braking as we attack the corners and the car yaws.

A Truly Mesmerizing Car

Hyundai says that the RN22e has a 77.4 kWh battery pack with 800V fast charging capability. When it comes to power, the front and rear combined produce 430 kW of power and that propels the car to a top speed of around 155 mph, or 250 km/h. Away from the power, Hyundai are using the RN22e to really innovate. The car has Sound+, generating interior and exterior sounds for a dynamic driving feel, while the car’s N e-shift integrates the vibrating and shifting feeling of an N car via N Sound+. Even if you don’t like that sort of thing, the technology behind it is so impressive.

Hyundai Knocks It Out Of The Park

Hyundai once again have knocked it out of the park. They are currently the kings of electric vehicle design and this, plus the hydrogen N Vision 74 shows just how far other companies have to go to catch up. Remember, the RN22e is based on the upcoming Ioniq 6 and Hyundai’s actual production cars look just as good as both concepts. We love what Hyundai are doing right now, and no doubt they will keep knocking it out of the park for a long time to come.

Source: Hotcars

It wasn’t two days ago when we were talking about Hyundai being a real force in EVs, and, what do you know, on Wednesday Hyundai and Kia announced a new plan to spend $16.5 billion on EV development in what is an EV arms race among automakers.

From Bloomberg:

Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia plan to invest 21 trillion won ($16.5 billion) to boost the production of electric vehicles in South Korea, including the establishment of new factory that would ultimately have the capacity to make around 150,000 cleaner cars a year.

Under the plan, the two automakers aim to increase annual EV production in [South Korea] to 1.44 million units by 2030 from an expected 350,000 units this year, Hyundai said in a statement Wednesday. That forecast 1.44 million output would account for about 45% of Hyundai and Kia’s planned global EV production volume by then.

The new factory for purpose-built vehicles will be located within its existing Hwaseong manufacturing site, as said in a separate statement. Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2023, with commercial production starting in the second half of 2025.

We’re big fans of the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric subcompact crossover. This excellent electric vehicle has won the KBB Electric Car Best Buy award in 2019, 2020, and 2021. In other words, for as long as the Kona Electric has existed.

Hyundai Motor Company announced today its STARIA multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has won the ‘Best of the Best’ accolade at the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2022. The Best of the Best is awarded for groundbreaking design and is the highest title in the competition. STARIA took the honor in the Cars & Motorcycles category, further reinforcing Hyundai’s global competitiveness in product design.

“STARIA is Hyundai’s new MPV lineup crafted with the ‘inside-out’ design approach that has surely opened up a new mobility era for all,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President, Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “Our design team has put their passion into this product, working closely with our world-class modelers and engineers to make the dream come true.”

STARIA boasts a strikingly futuristic and mysterious exterior that resembles a space shuttle. A single stroke running from front to rear is reminiscent of the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.

The cruise ship-inspired interior delivers a luxurious look and unique atmosphere that focuses on the driver’s convenience and passengers’ comfort. The lowered beltlines and panoramic side windows improve overall visibility and create a feeling of openness. This sense of spaciousness, inspired by traditional Korean ‘hanok’ architecture, allows passengers to feel as if the outside scenes are an extension of the vehicle interior.

Since its launch last year, STARIA has won several accolades for its design excellence and product innovation. STARIA received the honor in the transportation category of the 2021 GOOD DESIGN Awards and was recognized in the ‘Best Cars 2022’ readers’ poll organized by Germany’s auto motor und sport magazine.

Hosted by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany, Red Dot Award is one of the world’s largest design competitions. The award breaks down into three different disciplines: Product Design, Brand & Communication Design, and Design Concept, to better appraise the diversity in the field of design. The Red Dot Award: Product Design sets out to find the year’s best market-ready products that are aesthetically appealing, functional, smart or innovative.

NEW YORK/SEOUL, April 13, 2022 – The highly acclaimed Hyundai IONIQ 5 won big at the prestigious 2022 World Car Awards today, with the all-electric crossover named overall World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year and World Car Design of the Year. World Car Awards revealed the results at a ceremony held at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

IONIQ 5 was recognized by a jury of 102 automotive journalists from 33 countries around the world. The innovative battery electric vehicle (BEV), which has already won numerous international accolades, was considered alongside 27 competitor models launched in 2021, ultimately claiming victory over other finalists in all three categories in which it was nominated.

IONIQ 5 is the first model in Hyundai’s dedicated BEV lineup brand: IONIQ. It takes full advantage of a bespoke Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture to offer 800-V, ultra-fast charging capabilities for a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes and a highly spacious interior. The unique packaging needs of an EV mean the axles can be pushed right to the front and back of the car, providing much more space than a traditional vehicle. When equipped with two-wheel drive (2WD) and up to 77.4-kWh battery, its maximum driving range on a single charge will be around 470~480  km, according to the WLTP standard. Its features include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, advanced connectivity and driver assistance systems that offer the ultimate in-car experience.

“We are truly honored to receive these prestigious awards, which recognize the talent and hard work of all our people and business partners at Hyundai Motor Company. Our vision is to enable Progress for Humanity, and this endorsement of our approach will serve to embolden our commitment to make this vision a reality,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.

As Hyundai Motor transforms into a smart mobility solutions provider, the company is accelerating its electrification strategy to become the world’s leading EV maker. Hyundai plans to introduce 17 new BEV models by 2030, including Genesis luxury brand models, and aims to boost annual global BEV sales to 1.87 million units by 2030.

Chang added, “IONIQ 5 represents a pivotal achievement for us as we pioneer a new generation of smart mobility solutions with our innovative E-GMP platform technologies, exceptional performance and disruptive approach to design and space. IONIQ 5 has made a strong impression on increasingly eco-conscious consumers around the world, and its success supports the acceleration of electrification of the automotive industry. The pace of change at Hyundai will continue unabated through the rest of 2022 as we will soon be adding to our award-winning IONIQ range.” 

IONIQ 5 heralds a new era in Hyundai design, defined by what the brand’s designers call ‘Parametric Dynamics’ with kinetic jewel-like surface details defining the BEV’s visual identity. The crossover’s unique exterior styling is characterized by clean, sharp lines that convey its dynamic presence on the road and distinctive ‘Parametric Pixel’ LED headlamps and rear lamps that leave a lasting impression.

Inside, IONIQ 5’s ‘Living Space’ interior theme takes full advantage of a 3,000-mm wheelbase to offer a never-before-seen moveable center console that allows passengers more freedom of movement. Many interior touchpoints use eco-friendly materials and textiles, such as eco-processed leather, sustainable fibers and bio paint, that reflect consumers’ rising interest in ethical, sustainable products.

“With IONIQ 5, we set out to create a new mobility experience — a game-changer,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “This extraordinary vehicle was made possible by the passion and efforts of designers and engineers who pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the EV space.”

Since its global launch last year, IONIQ 5 earned prestigious international honors, including German Car of the Year, UK Car of the Year, Auto Express’ Car of the Year and Auto Bild’s Electric Car of the Year. The model also took the top spot at the first-ever Best Cars of the Year 2021/2022 Awards.

For World Car of the Year, the jury selected IONIQ 5 from an initial entry list of 28 vehicles, then from three finalists. To be eligible for the category, vehicles must be produced in at least 10,000 units per year, priced below the luxury level in their primary markets, and on sale in at least two major markets on at least two continents at some time between Jan. 1, 2021 – Mar. 30, 2022. 

For World Electric Vehicle of the Year, the jury selected IONIQ 5 from an initial entry list of 11 vehicles, then from three finalists. To be eligible for the category, vehicles must be powered solely by one or more electric motors, produced in volumes of at least 5,000 units per year and on sale in at least two major markets on at least two continents at some time between Jan. 1, 2021 – Mar. 30, 2022.

For World Car Design of the Year, the panel of six experts from France, Germany, Japan, U.K. and U.S. selected IONIQ 5 from all the contenders competing in the other five award categories. The panel reviewed each vehicle based on style and innovation that pushes established boundaries.

“We are proud to be part of the most important automotive awards program on the planet,” said Mark Schienberg, New York Auto Show president. “We are pleased to have everyone back at the Auto Show today for the winners’ live announcement. While the last two years have been challenging for everyone, car buyers are ready to come out and experience all the amazing new vehicles and technologies the industry has to offer. Congratulations and best of luck to all the finalists!”

The annual World Car Awards recognize the best design, luxury car, performance car, urban car, EV and the best car of the year. In February, the jury named Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group’s Chief Creative Officer, the 2022 World Car Person of the Year for his significant contribution overseeing new model developments, including IONIQ 5.