Hyundai introduces IONIQ lineup brand in China

BEIJING, China - Hyundai Motor Company, an automotive manufacturer, as officially launched its all-electric IONIQ lineup brand in China, introducing two design concept cars at a brand event in Beijing ahead of Auto China 2026 on April 24.

At the event, the company also outlined its strategy to reinforce its presence in the Chinese market, positioning the IONIQ brand as more than just a product lineup by extending it into a broader mobility experience.

Developed specifically for China, the two all-electric concept models - the VENUS Concept sedan and the EARTH Concept family SUV — mark the start of this new phase and reflect Hyundai’s intent to compete more strongly in China’s fast-growing new energy vehicle market.

Mr. Li Fenggang, President at Beijing Hyundai Motor Company, said “Starting with the two concept cars unveiled today, we will continue to present products that reflect deep insight into Chinese customers and our genuine commitment to this market. Built on IONIQ’s uncompromising principles of world-class safety and quality, we will soon introduce production models that seamlessly combine the smart driving and smart cabin experiences that Chinese consumers demand.”

IONIQ is Hyundai Motor’s dedicated all-electric brand, already recognized globally for its strong focus on innovation, design and quality. In China, Hyundai is taking the brand a step further by shaping IONIQ into more than just an EV lineup, expanding it into a wider mobility ecosystem designed specifically for local customers.

As part of this China-focused strategy, future IONIQ models in the market will follow a unique planet-based naming system, highlighting Hyundai’s idea that every vehicle is built around the customer.

To mark this new direction, Hyundai unveiled two concept models developed for China. The VENUS Concept is a stylish and futuristic sedan with a sleek design and a premium, driver-focused interior. The EARTH Concept is a bold family SUV that combines a strong exterior look with a spacious, calm and comfortable cabin. Together, these two concepts give an early look at how future IONIQ models for China could evolve.

Hyundai also outlined plans to introduce technologies tailored to Chinese consumers, including autonomous driving systems developed with local partners and solutions such as extended-range electric vehicles. These steps reflect the company’s broader effort to strengthen its position in China’s rapidly growing new energy vehicle market.

Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center at Hyundai Motor Company, said “We chose to be ‘The Origin’. Something entirely new — recognizable at a glance from a distance, with a powerful presence on the road, and delivering what we call a ‘Best in First Impression’. ‘The Origin’ is our declaration: ‘Lead, don’t follow’. It is the point from which our movement begins. Our ambition is to set a new direction.”

More details about Hyundai’s IONIQ strategy for China are expected to be revealed at Auto China 2026 in Beijing on April 24.

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