Most of us don’t look at regular automotive brands as taking electric mobility seriously enough, but South Korean marque Hyundai has proved that they are.
Their KONA Electric crossover has just reached and surpassed the 100,000 mark in terms of global sales. The car was introduced in April 2018. As of the end of June, Hyundai has sold more 103,719 KONA Electrics, with more than 75% being exported outside of South Korea.
It’s unlikely Hyundai will bring the Electrified Kona to Malaysia, but there are strong rumours that the standard petrol Kona will come to our shores in CBU form.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
KONA Electric, Hyundai Motor Company’s globally rewarded full electric compact SUV, has surpassed the 100,000 global sales milestone. Cumulative sales of KONA Electric reached 103,719 units as of June 30—just over two years since its launch in March 2018. Sales outside of its home market Korea accounted for more than three quarters of the total.
KONA Electric has been widely lauded for its class-leading driving range, fast-charging capability, safety and convenience features.
In April 2020, the inaugural TopGear Electric Awards named the model the Best Small Family Car, based on its performance during a 24-hour, 1,600-km European road trip. The same year, U.S. News & World Report named it the Best Electric Vehicle. In 2019, WardsAuto included KONA Electric on its 10 best engines list. In 2018, Auto Express named it the Affordable Electric Car of the Year. The EV also played a role in the KONA nameplate winning Spanish newspaper ABC’s Best Car of the Year award. It also won the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.
Building on KONA Electric’s successful legacy, Hyundai Motor Company is focused on making zero-emissions mobility a reality, making it a significant part of its long-term strategy. By 2025, the company aims to sell 560,000 battery electric vehicles in addition to FCEV models.
About KONA Electric
• Compact electric CUV with generous 258-Mile EPA-estimated Range
• Bold, fresh design elements with extroverted color options
o Signature LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights
• High-efficiency 150 kW (201 horsepower), 291 lb.ft electric motor powertrain
• High-voltage 64 kWh lithium-ion battery
• Standard floating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™ capability
• ACTIVE SAFETY
o Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
o Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
o High Beam Assist (on LED-headlight-equipped models)
o Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
o Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
• INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY
o 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation display
o Standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™
o Next-generation Blue Link® connected car system
o Heads-up display (with active pop-up display screen)
o Rain-sensing wipers
o Qi wireless-device charging
