Hyundai to Introduce 10 Models By End-2012

South Korean manufacturer Hyundai will introduce a total of 10 new models in the next two years in a move to refresh its lineup and bring fresh vehicles on the global market. The first in this series is the ix35 which was rolled out in select markets last week and will be followed by several facelifted and new-generation models slated to debut by end 2012.

At the ix35 launch in Italy, European president Han Chang Kyun confirmed that Hyundai's short-term product plan includes up to 10 models, including the recently-revealed small SUV.

“We will have 10 new models and model derivatives starting in 2010 with the ix35," he said.

In mid-2010, Hyundai will introduce the facelifted versions of both the i10 and i30 models, followed by the B-segment MPV projected to be launched in Q4 2010. A small coupe will follow in the early 2011 and will be inspired by the Veloster concept displayed in 2007.

“It will be a three-door car like the Mini Clubman but, unlike the Clubman, in right-hand drive markets the [rear] door will be on the correct side," UK managing director Tony Whitehorn was quoted as saying by just-auto.com.

Later releases will include the i40 station wagon, scheduled for the first quarter of 2011 as well, followed by the new-generation i30 - third quarter of 2011, and the facelift i20 - late 2011. The refreshed product plan will be closed with the ix45, a model due to arrive in Q1 2012, and the C-segment MPV that will be launched in mid-2012.