[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Hyundai Motor has put its electrification strategy for the China market into full gear. It is expanding products, investment and technology cooperation at the same time with the China-only electric vehicle Ioniq V. It is also redefining China as a global strategic hub.

Hyundai Motor on April 24 (local time) unveiled the Ioniq V for the first time in the world at the 2026 Beijing International Motor Show (Auto China 2026). It also officially launched its electric vehicle brand Ioniq in China. The Ioniq V is the first China-strategic mass-production model developed based on the concept car VENUS. It is a dedicated product reflecting demand from local consumers.

The core of the announcement is a strategy to make China an electric-vehicle innovation base rather than just a sales market. Hyundai Motor said it will strengthen locally tailored product development, technology cooperation and use of supply chains under the slogan, "In China, For China, To Global."

To that end, it is also expanding investment in its joint venture Beijing Hyundai. Hyundai Motor and BAIC Group will invest a total of 8 billion yuan. Over the next five years, it plans to launch 20 new models in China, including electric vehicles and extended-range electric vehicles. The annual sales target was set at 500,000 units.

The new Ioniq V focuses on localisation in terms of product competitiveness and technology. With a CATL battery, it targets more than 600 km of range per charge under the CLTC standard. It includes an advanced driver assistance system developed in cooperation with Momenta. It also 강화ed digital experiences including an infotainment system based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8295 chip, a large display and an AI assistant.

The design and interior layout also reflect the preferences of Chinese consumers. It applies a new design language called "The Origin" to emphasise a future-oriented exterior. A 27-inch 4K panoramic display and a spacious interior increase the sense of premium quality.

Its sales strategy is also changing. Hyundai Motor plans to introduce a "One Price" policy across China to increase price transparency. It will also manage the customer experience in an integrated way from purchase to maintenance through dedicated brand spaces and specialised staff. It will also expand charging and battery service networks.

Hyundai Motor also signalled an expansion of its lineup. It plans to launch an additional electrified SUV in the first half of 2027 and broaden its electric-vehicle portfolio to the mid-to-large segment.

The industry views Hyundai Motor's latest strategy as a structural shift aimed at re-challenging the China market rather than a simple new model launch. It is seen as an attempt to raise competitiveness in China again by simultaneously pushing product localisation, supply-chain cooperation and an overhaul of sales methods.