Hyundai Introduces IONIQ As Its EV Sub-Brand

• Hyundai will introduce three new IONIQ models over the next four years.

• The first will be the IONIQ 5 midsize SUV in early 2021.

• All vehicles will use the E-GMP platform.

Hyundai is in the midst of spreading its wings with yet another sub-brand spinoff. This time, they will give IONIQ, which is a mix “ion” and “unique”, its own portfolio of vehicles, all of them entirely electric. Hyundai transformed the London Eye into a giant letter “Q” using electric lights to make the announcement.

Back in 2016, Hyundai introduced the IONIQ, the first single model to ever be offer in a choice of three electrified powertrain options – hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric. This was only the beginning of the IONIQ project in support of Hyundai’s vision of “Progress for Humanity”.

“The IONIQ brand will change the paradigm of EV customer experience,” said Wonhong Cho, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company. “With a new emphasis on connected living, we will offer electrified experiences integral to an eco-friendly lifestyle.”

Three new models will come from IONIQ, all of them will be numerically named. The first will be the IONIQ 5, a midsize SUV, expected to launch in early 2021. It will be based on the 45 concept. In 2022, the IONIQ 6 sedan, inspired by the Prophecy concept will arrive. Finally, the IONIQ 7, a large SUV, is expected by early 2024. All will be based on the EV-dedicated E-GMP platform that will allow Hyundai to reimagine the vehicle interior as “smart living space”.

Hyundai’s goal, with IONIQ, is to become the world’s third-largest automaker of eco-friendly vehicles by 2025. They intend on selling 1 million battery electric vehicles and take a 10% share in the global EV field.