Hyundai Diesel Engine Development Suspended, Focus To Be On EVs

2021-Hyundai-i20-25 — It is a shame that diesel units will have to go due to regulations

Hyundai Motor Group has wound up its diesel engine development as it shifts its focus towards becoming a prominent leader in the electric vehicle segment.

The South Korean automobile group suspended development of new diesel engines in the second half of 2020 and will not launch any new oil burners.

However, the existing set of diesel motors will continue to be used and partially revamped versions of those will be introduced accordingly.

No such problems will be faced by petrol units, for now, as they will continue to be used, but mostly with some form of electrification, as pure petrol vehicles will soon be banned in many markets.

This move is in line with several other global automakers, like Volvo and Volkswagen, that have ditched diesels altogether as stringent emissions regulations seek to end the era of ICE vehicles citing rise in pollution levels.

In India, Hyundai diesel engine variants have enjoyed their fair share of sales owing to them offering good fuel efficiency along with decent performance.

With Maruti not offering any diesel models, Hyundai ate into its market share big time, so much that the top automaker has decided to offer its cars with diesel engines once again.

Last month, Hyundai Motor Group unveiled the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) that will underpin a range of EVs, including the IONIQ brand vehicles.

By 2025, the group wants to introduce 23 electric vehicles and sell 1 million units worldwide. This will include the mass-market electric SUV that Hyundai is developing for the Indian market. By 2040, it wants to account for 8-10 percent of the world’s EV market.