The Return of a U.S. Bestseller with 1.87 Million Sales... Hyundai Motor Aims to Cement Its Position in North America's SUV Market with the All-New Tucson

[Financial News] Hyundai Motor is stepping up its push into the North American sport utility vehicle (SUV) market with the fifth-generation, fully redesigned Hyundai Tucson, a global bestseller that has sold more than 1.87 million units in the United States. The automaker plans to sustain its SUV sales growth by introducing the significantly upgraded Tucson in the U.S., where demand for hybrids has grown since electric vehicle subsidies were abolished.
According to industry sources on the 4th, Hyundai Motor chose New York as the venue for the global debut of the new Tucson. At a public event, José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor, expressed confidence in the model's global prospects, calling it "the best Tucson ever."
The Tucson is a key strategic model for Hyundai Motor in the U.S. market. Its cumulative sales in the country have surpassed 1.87 million units, and 23,164 units were sold last September, up 31.8% from the same month a year earlier, even as the fully redesigned model was approaching its launch.
The hybrid model, in particular, has been gaining momentum rapidly. Since Hyundai Tucson Hybrid sales began in North America in 2021, 197,929 units had been sold through July this year, making it the top-selling model by cumulative volume in Hyundai Motor's eco-friendly vehicle lineup. It also accounted for the largest share, at 93,547 units, among eco-friendly vehicles exported from Hyundai Motor's domestic plants last year.
The fifth-generation Hyundai Tucson is targeting demand for eco-friendly vehicles in North America with a next-generation hybrid system. The new hybrid model delivers a maximum system output of 245 horsepower and combined fuel economy of 17.4 kilometers per liter. It also features Stay Mode, which allows the climate control system to operate while the vehicle is stationary without starting the engine.
The vehicle has also grown in size. Applying Hyundai Motor's new design philosophy, Art of Steel, the new Tucson has been enlarged to an overall length of 4,700 millimeters and a width of 1,905 millimeters, creating more interior space. It is also the first Hyundai Motor SUV to feature Pleos Connect, a next-generation infotainment system that includes the artificial intelligence agent Gleo AI.
A North America-specific model will also be added. Hyundai Motor plans to introduce the XRT PRO in the U.S. with all-wheel drive and all-terrain tires as standard, along with increased ground clearance. The company aims to expand the Tucson's customer base by targeting local consumers with strong demand for outdoor activities and off-road driving.
However, price competitiveness is seen as crucial to gaining further market share in North America's SUV market, where major competitors such as Toyota Motor and Ford Motor remain firmly established. Competition among major automakers is also intensifying as demand for hybrids grows rapidly.
Hyundai Motor will begin selling the new Tucson in South Korea this month, then expand its global sales by unveiling a Europe-specific model at the Paris Motor Show.
Muñoz said, "Starting with the Tucson, we plan to launch more than 100 new and facelifted models worldwide by 2030." He added, "In North America alone, 58 new models will be launched."
[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter