Hyundai's Strategic Move to Regain Market Share in India

Korean automaker Hyundai is set to launch 26 new cars in India over the next five years, signaling a bold move to intensify competition in the automotive industry. This strategy includes a mix of 20 internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, six electric vehicles (EVs), and strong hybrid variants, aiming to cater to a wide range of consumer preferences and price points.

Investment and Market Strategy: Hyundai announced an investment of Rs 7,000 crore in India this year, focusing on introducing new products and technologies. The company's COO, Tarun Garg, emphasized the importance of balancing volume market share and profits, avoiding a 'discount war' with competitors like Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors.

Focus on SUVs and Electrification

Hyundai plans to strengthen its SUV lineup and expand its electric vehicle offerings, including more localized models to its current EV portfolio, which includes the Ioniq and Creta EVs. The company is also working on enhancing its fast-charge network to support its electric vehicle strategy.

Financial Performance and Outlook: Despite a slight decline in domestic sales to around six lakh units last fiscal, Hyundai reported healthy operating margins of 14.1% in the Jan-March 2025 quarter. The company remains cautiously optimistic about domestic demand, aiming for 7-8% growth in exports amidst geopolitical uncertainties.