According to the company, the creation of the IONIQ brand is in response to the fast-growing market demand and to accelerate its plan to lead the global EV market. The new sub-brand aims to combine the Korean carmaker‘s current EV capabilities with future innovations that combine design, technologies, and services for its customers. “The IONIQ brand will change the paradigm of EV customer experience,” said Hyundai executive VP and global CMO Wonhong Cho. “With a new emphasis on connected living, we will offer electrified experiences integral to an eco-friendly lifestyle.” The company added that IONIQ will launch a range of numerically named EVs, with even numbers used for sedans and odd numbers for SUVs. The first vehicle to be unveiled will be the IONIQ 5 mid-size EV crossover in early 2021, which is based on their “45” concept that was introduced last year. Hyundai has announced that it will transform the Ioniq name used for its current EV into the Ioniq sub-brand dedicated to all-electric cars. That means Ioniq could become much like to Hyundai what Polestar is to Volvo. Hyundai revealed plans to launch three EVs under the new brand, starting with the Ioniq 5 in 2021 and the Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 7 scheduled for 2022 and 2024, respectively. In Hyundai’s new naming scheme, odd-numbered vehicles represent crossovers or SUVs, while even-numbered models will be sedans. The EV brand’s first sedan, the IONIQ 6, will be introduced in 2022; followed by the IONIQ 7 SUV which will be unveiled in early 2024. Hyundai said that the former will be based on its “Prophecy” concept that was showcased in March, while details of the latter have not been revealed at this time. (Source: Hyundai official website)
