Hyundai Motor Company is preparing to launch a hybrid version of the Creta, widely regarded as India’s “national car.” As part of its strategy, the company plans to introduce a total of 26 new models in the Indian market by 2030, with the Creta Hybrid leading the charge.
According to industry sources on May 21, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) aims to roll out 26 new vehicles in India by 2030. Among them is the hybrid-powered Creta, scheduled for release by 2027. Currently available with gasoline, turbocharged, diesel, and electric powertrains, the addition of a hybrid version will expand the Creta’s lineup to five options.
The upcoming hybrid model is expected to feature the same 1.6-liter gasoline-based hybrid system used in the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, delivering a maximum output of approximately 141 horsepower. The Creta is one of India’s best-selling SUVs, ranking first in nationwide monthly vehicle sales in both March and April.
The introduction of the Creta Hybrid is seen as a strategic response to weakening local demand for electric vehicles and Hyundai’s recent decline in sales performance. As the Indian government scales back EV subsidies, Hyundai’s market share fell below 13% last month — its lowest level in the past 12 years. Meanwhile, the performance gap between Hyundai and market leader Maruti Suzuki is widening, with domestic competitors such as Mahindra and Tata rapidly catching up.
In the first quarter of FY2025 (Q4 FY2024), Hyundai Motor India posted a slight increase in revenue but experienced a decline in operating profit, indicating weakening profitability. The company reported revenue of approximately $2.15 billion, up 1.52% year-over-year. However, operating profit dropped by 3.75% to around $194 million.
Kyeong Eon-soo, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor’s India, Middle East & Africa Headquarters, stated, “We plan to launch a total of 26 new models in the Indian market by 2030. Based on this strategy, we aim to maintain our growth momentum by expanding exports not only within India but also to other emerging markets.”
