Earlier in the day, the carmaker said it will knock off the local price of the Tucson ix fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) by 43.3 percent to 85 million won (US$77,216.57) in an effort to popularize the eco-friendly vehicles and help the green car trend catch on in South Korea. (Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor)
“The timing and other details of the markdown are not yet decided and will depend on the business conditions in Europe, but some predict that an announcement might be made during the Geneva International Motor Show (next month),” a Hyundai Motor official said, adding that the price cut will take place “not long after.”
In the U.S. and Canadian markets, however, the price cut will not likely be relevant since the hydrogen-powered editions of the Tucson sport utility vehicles are only available for lease in the North American regions, company officials said.
Up until now, Hyundai Motor has sold or leased out some 200 of its hydrogen-fueled Tucson ix to customers around the world, with about 10 units sold here, according to the carmaker.
In contrast, Toyota Motor Corp. has sold some 1,500 units of its new Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, launched in mid-December.
Together with its smaller affiliate Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai Motor said it plans to push itself up to the No. 2 spot in the fuel-efficient car market by 2020, up three notches from last year’s fifth place, and to inject around 11.3 trillion won in investments.
Japanese rival Toyota currently stands as the industry leader in the green car sector.’
