Hyundai and Kia, Driving Electric SUVs, Appear in LA

Hyundai Kia Returns to US Auto Show After 2 Years
First Electric SUV Concept Cars 'Seven' and 'EV9' Unveiled Side by Side

Hyundai Motor Company participated in the '2021 LA Auto Show' held in Los Angeles, USA, on the 17th (local time) and unveiled the electric SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) concept car 'SEVEN' for the first time.

[Asia Economy reporters Changhwan Lee and Jehun Yoo] Hyundai Motor Company and Kia unveiled their electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) concept cars for the first time at the Los Angeles (LA) Auto Show in the United States.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to participate in major exhibitions such as CES 2022 early next year, starting with the LA Auto Show held after two years, to reveal key future mobility products and actively target the global electric vehicle market.

On the 17th (local time), Hyundai and Kia each unveiled their upcoming electric SUV concept cars at the '2021 LA Auto Show' held at the LA Convention Center in the United States.

The concept car Hyundai revealed that day is called the ‘SEVEN’. Scheduled to be released as the Ioniq 7 around 2024, the SEVEN is a new type of SUEV (Sport Utility Electric Vehicle) model applying Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated electric vehicle platform, E-GMP.

The SEVEN breaks away from the typical boxy and sturdy SUV appearance, showing a sleek design optimized for aerodynamics. A single curve extending from the low hood front to the roof and a long wheelbase soften the vehicle’s impression.

The interior features maximized spaciousness by leveraging the advantages of a dedicated electric vehicle. It applies coach doors that open sideways on both front and rear doors, and two swiveling lounge chairs that can rotate 180 degrees and move forward and backward to maximize space utilization. The SEVEN is equipped with a fast-charging system and is expected to travel over 482 km on a single charge.

Lee Sang-yup, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor Company’s Design Division, emphasized, "The SEVEN is a new SUEV design that shows the direction SUVs will take in the electrification era. The aerodynamic design well embodies the unique image of an SUV, and the interior space, considerate of passengers, will open a new horizon as a living space for families."

Kia unveiled the 'The Kia Concept EV9' at the '2021 LA Auto Show' held on the 17th (local time) in Los Angeles, California, USA. Karim Habib, Executive Vice President of Kia Design, is presenting the design of the Concept EV9.

Kia EV6 Successor EV9 Concept Car Unveiled for the First Time

Kia unveiled the ‘EV9’ concept car for the first time. The EV9 SUV is Kia’s second dedicated electric vehicle following the previously released EV6. The EV9 expresses a strong and sturdy SUV image through a straightforward exterior extending vertically and horizontally without gimmicks. The vast side windows and panoramic sky roof left a strong impression.

The interior was designed under the keywords ‘Opened, Floating, Pure’ to create an open lounge-like atmosphere. The space is maximized with three interior modes that allow seat direction changes depending on driving and parking situations.

Kia unveiled 'The Kia Concept EV9' at the '2021 LA Auto Show' held on the 17th (local time) in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Karim Habib, Executive Vice President of Kia’s Design Division, explained, "The EV9, Kia’s first large electrified SUV concept car, combines a zero-emission powertrain, cutting-edge exterior design, and a modern and innovative interior space."

Hyundai and Kia are expected to aggressively target the global electric vehicle market through offline events starting with the LA Auto Show. In particular, they will participate in the world’s largest electronics exhibition, ‘CES 2022’, held in Las Vegas, USA, early next year after two years, showcasing future mobility.

Hyundai Motor Group has set a goal to sell one million electric vehicles worldwide by 2025 and achieve a market share of over 10%. The electric SUVs unveiled for the first time this time are expected to be key models in achieving this goal.

Jose Munoz, Head of Hyundai Motor North America, said, "We will do our best to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2045 based on eco-friendly mobility."