Thomas A. Schmid, Senior Vice President & COO of Hyundai Motor Europe
1. What role does the All-New Kona Electric play for Hyundai Motor?
Thomas A. Schmid: The All-New Kona Electric is an important part of Hyundai Motor’s eco strategy expanding our overall offer of eco-cars. And with the Kona Electric we are merging the two hottest trends of the car industry, a stylish B-SUV with a full electric powertrain. And we are the first to enter the European market with this combination. The Kona Electric offers our customers the practicality of a small SUV and the CO2 neutral mobility. So no compromises, everyday use and environmental friendly.
2. How does the eco strategy of Hyundai Motor look like in detail?
Thomas A. Schmid: Hyundai Motor is a first-mover in future mobility offering the broadest range of powertrains in the industry: hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid, full-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. Therefore, you will not be surprised that we are launching 10 eco cars in 2021 in Europe and 15 eco-friendly Hyundai models globally until 2020. And with the IONIQ line-up, which offers three electric powertrains in one body type, and the All-New Kona Electric we are right in the middle of this strategy.
Today, Hyundai Motor already is the market leader in fuel cell technology in Europe: We are selling more fuel cell cars than all other brands combined. Over 70% of all fuel cell cars in Europe are made by Hyundai. And the Next Generation Fuel Cell SUV is about to enter the market. At the CES in Las Vegas, the All-New NEXO has been shown to the public for the first time and later this summer we will launch it in Europe.
3. How does the eco-strategy support your business objectives?
Thomas A. Schmid: Making advanced and eco-friendly technology accessible to everyone reflects Hyundai’s progressive and customer focused mind-set. With launching 30 new models and derivatives in Europe by 2021, our aim is to become Asian car brand number one in Europe. By then 60% of our European line-up will be available with alternative powertrains. We believe the future will be electric and fuel cell driven. And the future is now!
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Thomas Schmid, COO, and Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing & Product of Hyundai Motor Europe explain how the All-New Kona Electric fits into Hyundai Motor's eco car strategy.
Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing & Product of Hyundai Motor Europe
1. How does the All-New Kona Electric fit into the brand’s eco strategy?
Andreas-Christoph Hofmann: With this car we have combined the two hottest trends on the current automotive market: SUVs and eco-mobility. It is our car of “no compromise”: the drivers of Kona Electric benefit from cutting-edge and sustainable technology coupled with modern design and style. With the Kona Electric we clearly underline our willingness and capability to play a vital role in the eco-friendly mobility of the future. And it reflects that our company belongs to the top tier brands in future mobility. Also in future mobility we never lose touch with the customer by offering an affordable and easily accessible car.
2. What target customer do you have in mind by offering this car of “no compromise”?
Andreas-Christoph Hofmann: With Kona Electric we make eco cars easily accessible and attractive to more people across Europe. Customers who are driving this car can configure it matching with their personal lifestyle. Driving Kona Electric means to pursue on a sustainable way of driving. At the same time, customers who are driving this car won’t have to face compromises in roominess and individual style. To comply with the requirements of practicality and modern design, Hyundai Motor will further expand its strong SUV line-up. The launch of 5 additional models and derivatives by 2020 across Europe will contribute to our overall line-up consisting of 50% of SUVs.
3. What is special about the All-New Kona Electric?
Andreas-Christoph Hofmann: It’s a real SUV. Our customers won’t miss anything about this emotional and stylish eco-car. With offering two battery packs they can choose a driving range that suits them best. The stronger powertrain version offers a maximum driving range of nearly 470 km with a battery capable of 64 kWh. That is a class-leading driving range! No other electric SUV currently available will drive for example from Cologne to Paris on a single charge.
The Kona Electric accelerates in only 7.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. The torque of 395 Nm is immediately available in an electric powertrain. It’s really a car of no compromise. It combines innovation, efficient technology with fun-to-drive and eco-friendliness. Customers who chose the Electric Kona will drive the first full-electric compact SUV in Europe!
Contacts
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Florian Büngener
Head of Department PR & Communications
fbuengener@hyundai-europe.com LinkedIn ProfileAdriana Cerami
Head of Section Corporate & Brand PR
acerami@hyundai-europe.comKatharina Kupper
Hyundai Newsroom Lead
kkupper@hyundai-europe.comAnja Wente
Product PR & Communications Expert
awente@hyundai-europe.comElvira Herrera
Corporate Communications Expert
eherrera@hyundai-europe.comÁngel Pino Pérez
Product Communications Professional
apinoperez@hyundai-europe.comMaria Bricio
Corporate & Brand Communications Expert
