Pre-orders for the New Palisade Reach 45,000 Units
Hybrid Model, the Most Popular Choice, Faces Long Delivery Wait
Hyundai Motor Labor and Management Vow "Timely Mass Production" for Palisade
Chairman Chung Euisun Requests "A Car That Is Both Accommodating and Robust"
"It seems difficult to receive the new Palisade Hybrid within this year even if you sign a contract today." (Hyundai Motor sales office official)
The all-new Palisade, a full-change model released by Hyundai Motor after six years, is creating a sensation in the domestic market from the early stages of its launch. On the day of release, it had already achieved 78% of this year's sales target ahead of schedule. Especially, about 70% of the orders are for the hybrid (HEV) model, leading to expectations that even if you sign a contract now for the Palisade HEV, you might have to wait until next year to receive the car.
According to Hyundai Motor on the 15th, the Palisade reportedly reached 45,000 contracts about three weeks after starting pre-orders on the 20th of last month. This figure corresponds to 78% of Hyundai Motor's announced domestic sales target of 58,000 units for this year. Considering the production capacity, it is said that the HEV allocation for this year has already been exhausted, and only a small number of gasoline models remain available for sale.
A Hyundai Motor sales office official said, "If you sign a contract on the release day (the 15th), gasoline models might be delivered in as soon as three months, while HEV models will likely be delivered in the fourth quarter of this year or next year at the earliest." He added, "Considering the price and delivery time, quite a few customers are switching to gasoline models to receive their cars sooner."
Hyundai Motor Company is unveiling the new vehicle at the Palisade launch event held on the 14th. Photo by Hyundai Motor Company
The first-generation Palisade, launched in 2018, gained popularity as a cost-effective family car. In contrast, the second-generation Palisade, returning as a full-change model after six years, has adopted the title of 'Premium Flagship SUV.' Compared to the previous generation, it has significantly enhanced the luxury feel of both interior and exterior design, and it is the first model in the Hyundai Motor Group to apply the next-generation HEV system, adding an image of leading technological innovation.
It is reported that Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun showed special interest in this new car launch. Chairman Chung requested that the Palisade, representing Hyundai's top-tier SUV and a symbol of family cars, be made into a vehicle that is both accommodating and robust.
Hyundai Motor Company is unveiling the new vehicle at the Palisade launch event held on the 14th. Photo by Hyundai Motor Company
First Application of Hyundai Motor Group's Next-Generation Hybrid System
The new Palisade is the first to apply Hyundai Motor Group's 2.5 Turbo Hybrid system. Until now, Hyundai's hybrid system was based on a 1.6 gasoline engine, but it was criticized for lacking engine power when applied to large vehicles. To address this, Hyundai developed a next-generation HEV system based on a 2.5 turbo engine. While the existing 1.6 HEV used one motor to handle both starting and driving, the new 2.5 turbo HEV divides roles between two motors to maximize fuel efficiency.
The Palisade equipped with the 2.5 turbo HEV delivers a system maximum output of 334 horsepower. It can travel over 1,000 km on a single tank of fuel. Additionally, it is equipped with a 1.65 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery, enabling the use of V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) technology, which allows external use of battery power like an electric vehicle.
By adding a 9-seat model and maximizing the usability of the third-row space, practicality as a family car is also emphasized. The new Palisade's wheelbase has increased by 70 mm compared to the previous generation, and the third-row windows have been enlarged to enhance openness. Based on the spacious interior, a 9-seat model is also offered. A foldable multi-console is applied to the middle seat of the first row, creating a structure where three people can sit in the front row. The 9-seat model can use bus-only lanes on highways, is exempt from individual consumption tax, and if registered for commercial use, value-added tax can also be refunded. Prices start at 43.83 million KRW for the gasoline 9-seat model and 49.82 million KRW for the 9-seat HEV.
The front row seats of the new Palisade 9-seater model. By utilizing the foldable multi-console, three people can sit in the front row. Provided by Hyundai Motor Company
The Significance of the Palisade as a 'Main Export Model'
An unexpected figure appeared at the new Palisade launch event held on the 14th at 'Maison d'Italie' in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. It was Moon Yong-moon, head of the Hyundai Motor branch of the Metal Workers' Union. This is the first time that representatives of Hyundai Motor's labor and management attended a new car launch event together. At this event, Hyundai Motor's labor and management reaffirmed their commitment to 'timely mass production' of the Palisade with perfect quality.
The reason Hyundai Motor's labor and management emphasize 'timely mass production' stems from the difficulties experienced during the increase in production of the first-generation Palisade. Hyundai Motor wanted to increase production of the Palisade, which was popular overseas including in the U.S., but the union opposed, citing that increasing the production line speed could raise workers' labor intensity. Hyundai Motor even considered production in the U.S., but this was blocked by union opposition.
Eventually, Hyundai Motor's labor and management agreed to increase production by adjusting production volumes between domestic factory lines. Currently, the Palisade is produced at Ulsan plants 2, 4, and 5. The annual production capacity is about 200,000 units, with over 150,000 units expected to be exported overseas. Hyundai Motor CEO Lee Dong-seok said, "We will do our best to realize customer satisfaction through perfect quality and timely mass production."
At the launch event for the new Palisade held on the 14th, representatives of Hyundai Motor's labor and management posed with the new vehicle. (From left in the photo) Moon Yong-moon, head of the Hyundai Motor branch of the Metal Workers' Union; Lee Dong-seok, CEO of Hyundai Motor; Jung Yoo-seok, head of the Domestic Business Division; Park Sung-yeol, chairman of the Hyundai Motor branch Sales Committee. Provided by Hyundai Motor. Photo by Hyundai Motor.
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