According to Cox Automotive, U.S. new-vehicle sales are projected to reach approximately 15.8 million units by the close 2026, marking a modest 2.4% decline from the previous year.
High R&D and operating costs - combined with a turbulent economy - have led many major automakers to adjust plans significantly.
As an example, last month, The Volkswagen Group announced plans to cut the number of models it produces by 50 percent over the next few years.
Uniquely, another automaker seems to be sending the pendulum in the opposite direction.
Hyundai has announced an ambitious plan to produce more than 100 new or refreshed vehicle models between now and the end of the decade.
At Hyundai’s recent CEO Investor Day, the company detailed its global effort, which will include seven new vehicles within the next eight months, as well as 18 pledged towards “new products and market segments.”
North America will see the lion’s share of this approach, with 58 of these new launches – including the Santa Fe extended range EV, coming in 2027 with a combined range of 600 miles.
Also key to this pledge is somewhat of a revamp of the Genesis brand – with 22 launches in North America for this make alone.
According to Carscoops, Hyundai says it is also going for what it calls “white spaces” which are defined as current gaps where the brand is lightly represented but could offer “significant opportunities for growth.” For this, the company hinted at getting into the midsize pickup game – an attempt to take on the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger with a rugged, body-on-frame offering in this popular – and profitable - segment.
