EV Requests Decrease, Genesis Changes Strategy By Launching Its First Hybrid Vehicle Next Year

Photo: Genesis GV80 (source: Genesis)

JAKARTA - A luxury automotive brand from South Korea, Genesis confirmed plans for electrification to begin with launching the GV80 Hybrid next year.

Launching from the Korea JoongAng Daily written by The Korean Car Blog, Monday, June 23, mass production from this premium SUV will begin in September 2026 which will take place at the Ulsan factory, South Korea.

GV80 will be the first hybrid-powered model of three cars in the plan. After its launch, the brand under the auspices of Hyundai will produce G80 Hybrid sedans in December 2026 and GV70 Hybrids in March 2027.

It is hoped that all three can become the focus for Genesis in key markets such as the United States (US), where the region accounts for 30 percent of the brand's total sales globally.

The change in plans is also following the global automotive market, where sales of hybrid vehicles are getting a pure rise and electricity (EV) is actually decreasing. Previously, Genesis planned for a fully EV brand scheduled for this year.

Last year, Hyundai Motor Group sold 509,343 units of hybrid vehicles, an increase of up to 53 percent compared to before. During the same period, the company's electric vehicle sales fell 23 percent to 218,500 units.

Although it has not been explained in detail, the latest Genesis GV80 has the potential to carry a powertrain of 2.5 liters of hybrid turbo from Hyundai which is claimed to save fuel by fine driving and has good performance.

The system will cooperate with rear wheels (RWD) drivers who contribute to optimizing dynamics in driving.