Hyundai switches to compact car strategy in China

Aug. 1, 2008 (China Knowledge) - Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea's leading auto maker, has shifted its focus in the Chinese market from the mid- and high-end cars to small cars. The new mid-size hatchback i30 has been chosen to help the company to win a larger market share in the country, sources said.

Hyundai was reportedly developing an entry level small car to compete with Chinese rivals to enhance its presence in the compact car market. However, Hyundai has revised the plan considering the competitive prices of similar models offered by the local car manufacturers.

Equipped with 1.4-liter, 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engines, Hyundai's i30 model is expected to play a key role to compete with Honda's Yaris and Toyota's updated Fit. The small car will also compete with the 1.4- and 1.6-liter Lova of Shanghai GM Dongyue Motors Co. and the 1.3- and 1.6-liter Vios of Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co.

The price of i30 will be set between the Accent and the Elantra sedans, which were sold at the suggested price starting from RMB 71,800 and RMB 89,000 respectively.