In a clear indication of a shift in its strategy towards the mid and

RELATED ARTICLES Hyundai posts 4.9% rise in April sales

high-end car segment, Hyundai Motor India has unveiled its all-new Sonata, while premiereing its multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) concept, Hexa Space (code named HND-7) globally.

After raising its bar and brand presence in mid-size sedan segment with its fluidic Verna, Hyundai Motor India has now set its eyes on the premium segment with Sonata to compete against models such as Honda Accord and Toyota Camry among others.

“We already have Santa Fe and it is doing very well. Now we have this Sonata. With this all-new premium vehicle, we expect to raise the bar further. Because, with its host of new features, the new Sonata will definitely create a lot of excitement in the segment,” said Arvind Saxena, director – sales and marketing, Hyundai Motor India.

The new Sonata that will sport 2.4-litre engine would be launched by next month end. Hexa space is a concept right now and normally it takes about 3-4 years to development a product. It is for the first time such a concept has been showcased anywhere in the world. At present, we don’t have any product portfolio in the MPV segment and hence it makes sense for us to develop such concept. It is also important from the brand point of view to create confidence in customers about the technology and product capabilities they bring into the market, he added.

Saxena added that the MPV coming out of the concept will be a competitive product for the company to complete its entire product offering in the country. Projecting a single digit growth for the car market in 2012, Saxena said the second half the year is likely to be better as the company hopes for softening of interest rates during the period and market sentiments to improve.