Hyundai Motor to Promote Direct Sales of Electric Vehicles Made in Singapore

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] Hyundai Motor is reportedly considering a method of selling electric vehicles made in Singapore directly to local consumers without going through intermediaries, according to foreign media reports.

On the 20th, Singapore's The Straits Times reported that Hyundai Motor's Singapore Global Innovation Center (HMGICS) recently posted job listings on its website and recruitment sites, including a 'Sales Planner' position.

The newspaper explained that this role is specialized in retail sales, traditionally an area dominated by dealers rather than manufacturers.

The newspaper anticipated that Hyundai would bypass the local dealer Komoco and sell the electric vehicle 'Ioniq 5', assembled at HMGICS, directly to consumers. However, other models besides the Ioniq 5 are expected to continue being sold by Komoco as before.

The Straits Times reported that Hyundai's plan for the Ioniq 5 somewhat follows the example of the American electric vehicle brand Tesla, which conducts direct transactions with customers in various countries without partnering with local dealers.