Beijing Hyundai to launch two new models yearly

Shanghai, November 28 (Gasgoo.com) Beijing Hyundai general manager J.M. Noh has announced that the company plans to deliver two new models in each of the next three years.

In an interview with Nanfang Daily, J.M. Noh said Beijing Hyundai will launch a C2 model (equal to an A-class model) in the first half of 2009 and another in-house model developed by Beijing Hyundai Technique Centre in the second half.

Rumor has it that the self-developed new model will be built based on the Accent platform or I20 as a prototype, while J.M. Noh made it clear that the model will be an all-new car based on a new platform. The in-house developed new model will be available in a sedan version and a five-door hatchback sports version, J.M. Noh said.

For 2010, the carmaker will launch two more new models, including small cars.

At the recent Guangzhou auto show, Beijing Hyundai unveiled the all-new Sonata model "Ling Xiang", reflecting the carmaker’s upper technique capability. The China-made Sonata, expected to go on sale in China at the end of this year or the beginning of 2009, will target Passat Lingyu as its rival in the D-class segment. The Ling Xiang model is forecasted to reach sales of 40,000 units every year, J.M. Noh disclosed.

The current economic downturn has pushed Hyundai to join its counterparts to cut its sales target down, lower than the 380,000-unit target fixed earlier in the year. The carmaker is also looking to develop small cars in the coming years around the world.

Ling Xiang was unveiled at Guangzhou auto show