Hyundai ute to spawn family of new models, including 4WD SUV

Along with an off-road SUV and a ute for Australia, Hyundai says it wants to create several vehicles from its forthcoming body-on-frame platform.

At a roundtable with Australian and international media, Hyundai President and CEO Jose Munoz said there is a “big opportunity” to release a ute in Australia with a Hyundai badge – but has hinted at more models to come.

“We don't see body-on-frame as one model,” Mr Munoz told media.

“We presented in New York this year, the Boulder [concept]. Probably next New York [motor] show we will present something new.

“I don't want to reveal it too early, but once we get into the body-on-frame, we want to develop a family of products capitalising on the platform – same as we are doing with other platforms.

“So you would typically see several models derived from the same platform, and will try to maximize the volume. It's going to be relevant.”

While Hyundai has previously confirmed a ute will be coming to the Australian market, the Korean car giant has remained tight-lipped on what buyers can expect.

“Australia has been a very important market, also for Chinese brands that are growing very much, but also it's a big opportunity market for us because some of the most important segments in Australia are the ones that we are just talking about,” Mr Munoz continued.

“It could be a body-on-frame mid-size truck or a one-tonne pickup, depending on how they call it."

As reported in February 2024, Hyundai trademarked the names T7 and T10 in Australia, believed to be related to the body-on-frame platform.

“I see very interesting the expansion to Australia, and then the right-hand-drive as a very real possibility for SUVs and for body-on-frame, as we [expanded with] the Genesis brand as well. So we're doing well. We are happy,” Mr Munoz said.

It’s not clear at this stage whether Hyundai will follow in the footsteps of its sibling Kia by going with a traditional turbo-diesel powertrain, or if the company will pursue a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or even an electric powertrain for its upcoming ute.

“We want to grow more, and Australia is kind of the most important market within the [Asia Pacific] region.

“So you'll be, I think, positively surprised,” Mr Munoz added.

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