### Hyundai Ioniq 9 – Flagship EV SUV Hits Global Markets
Launching in North America in May 2025 and debuting in Australia on July 15, the Ioniq 9 features AWD, RWD, and Performance trims, with up to 620 km WLTP range and 0–100 km/h in 5.2 seconds for the top model.
It supports 400 V and 800 V charging and can charge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a 350 kW charger.
### Hyundai Elexio – China‑Only Compact EV Debut
Unveiled May 2025, the Elexio is built for the Chinese market under Beijing Hyundai. It’s packed with tech—101.7 kWh LFP battery, claimed range up to 435 miles, 800 V E‑GMP architecture, Huawei ADAS, a 27‑inch HUD, and Snapdragon 8295-powered digital systems. FWD and AWD variants offer up to 312 hp. Deliveries are expected in late 2025, starting around 140,000 yuan.
### Ioniq 6 Facelift & Ioniq 6 N Performance Model
The updated Ioniq 6 debuted April 2025 with refreshed styling and the introduction of the sporty Ioniq 6 N at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 10. The N variant brings Hyundai’s high-performance electric sub-brand to a sleek sedan.
### Hyundai Santa Fe – Transmission Swap for Better Reliability
The 2026 Santa Fe drops its dual‑clutch transmission due to reliability issues, replacing it with an eight‑speed torque‑converter automatic on its standard turbo 2.5‑liter models. The hybrid versions retain their existing setup.
### Financial Pressures – U.S. Tariffs Hammer Profits
In Q2 2025, Hyundai’s operating profit fell around 16% year-over-year to 3.6 trillion won (~$2.64 billion)—due to 828 billion won in U.S. tariffs. While sales rose 7%, Hyundai warns that the negative impact may deepen in Q3.
To offset, Hyundai is investing in U.S. production, pricing strategies, and parts localization.
Notably, TIME recognized Hyundai Motor Group as an “Automotive Darkhorse” in its 2025 most influential list.
🚙 Kia: Expanding EV Lineup, PBV Strategy & U.S. Market Push
### New EV Models: EV3, EV4, EV5 & EV2 Plans
- Kia EV3: Launched late 2024/early 2025 as a subcompact EV, winning 2025 Korea Car of the Year and World Car of the Year. Offered in Europe and Australasia with strong sales.
- Kia EV4: Positioned as an affordable, compact electric sedan/hatchback built on 400 V architecture with 235–330 miles EPA range and a ~201 hp FWD setup. Pricing expected in the low–mid $30K range.
- Kia EV5: Already launched in China and debuting in Europe but won’t come to the U.S. due to trade policy restrictions on EV credits. It offers up to 555 km WLTP range in other markets and strong family-friendly design, though suffers from outdated infotainment software, which updates in 2026.
### CEO Investor Day Highlights – Kia Plan S Strategy
At CEO Investor Day (April 2025), Kia laid out ambitions under its Plan S strategy:
- Launch PV5 PBV in 2025 (followed by PV7 and PV9 in 2027/2029)
- Boost EV sales to 1.26 million units by 2030
- Invest ₩42 trillion (~$30B) in future mobility across 2025‑2029
- Expand production globally: EV compact SUVs from South Korea, mid-large SUVs from U.S., hatchbacks for Europe, and India-focused models like the new Syros and Carens Clavis.
### Kia Syros & Carens Clavis Launches
- Syros: Subcompact crossover SUV launched January 2025 in India, positioned between Sonet and Seltos. Notably received a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. Sales began strongly with ~5,500 units dispatched in month one.
- Carens Clavis: Premium variant released May 2025 in India with dual 12.25-inch displays, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, Level 2 ADAS, a 360° camera, and premium interior finishes.
### U.S. Strategy: Tariff Navigation & Market Share Goals
Kia saw a 25% tariff hit (~₩786 billion) in Q2 which dented profits even as quarterly U.S. sales rose 5%. Kia now aims to grow U.S. share from 5.1% to over 6% in H2 2025, leveraging strong hybrid/sedan models like Carnival and K4, while rerouting exports to Canada and shifting some EV production to ICE models in Georgia to qualify under local rules.
📌 Summary Table: Latest Korean Car Highlights
| Brand | Model/Initiative | Key Update (as of July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai | Ioniq 9 EV SUV | Global launch; up to 620 km range; rapid charging |
| Hyundai | Elexio (China exclusive) | New compact EV with advanced ADAS; launches Q3 2025 |
| Hyundai | Ioniq 6 facelift & N | New sporty N performance variant debuted July |
| Hyundai | Santa Fe 2026 | Swapping DCT for torque converter auto for reliability |
| Hyundai | Corporate performance | Q2 profit down ~16% due to U.S. tariffs; record sales nonetheless |
| Kia | EV3, EV4, EV5, EV2 line-up | Expanded mainstream EV range; EV5 not entering U.S. due to subsidy rules |
| Kia | PV5 (PBV series) | Launching 2025; commercial EV focus begins |
| Kia | Syros & Carens Clavis | New India-focused models with premium features |
| Kia | U.S. market strategy | Aiming to grow to 6% share; adjusting production and pricing |
🔍 What to Watch Next
- Further expansions of Ioniq/PV EV models globally, including EV2 in 2026
- Kia’s deeper push into PBV (Platform‑Beyond‑Vehicle) commercial EVs
- Progress on tariff relief talks with the U.S. and possible trade policy shifts before August
- Evolving infotainment enhancements (e.g., Android Automotive rollout in EV5)
- U.S. production milestones at Hyundai’s Georgia EV plant and Kia’s China/India lines
