Hyundai Australia to Phase Out Diesel Models by 2028
Hyundai Australia to Phase Out Diesel Models by 2028
Will diesel-powered vehicles soon be a thing of the past in Hyundai Australia’s lineup?
Hyundai Australia is set to eliminate diesel-powered models from its lineup within the next seven years, prioritizing the rollout of hybrid and electric vehicles.
Hyundai Australia’s general manager of corporate affairs, Bill Thomas, confirmed the company’s plan to move away from diesel models and focus on hybrids and electric vehicles. The goal is to transition customers first to hybrid models and then to full electric vehicles.
Hyundai Australia’s decision to eliminate diesel models is not solely its own. The company can only sell what is manufactured for them, and head office has been directing the shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles. This has led to surprises in terms of supply, such as receiving diesel engines originally intended for Russia.
The demand for hybrid models has been increasing in Australia. The outgoing Santa Fe has seen a shift in demand from diesel to hybrid models, with hybrids accounting for 22.1% of sales so far this year. The upcoming Tucson Hybrid is also expected to contribute significantly to the model line’s sales.
The next-generation Santa Fe, set to arrive in Australia in 2024, will be exclusively available with petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Whether a diesel option will return has not been confirmed.
Currently, Hyundai Australia only offers diesel engines in select models such as the Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade, Staria, and Staria Load. However, reports suggest that the next Palisade will gain a hybrid option while losing its diesel variant.
The i30 diesel has been discontinued for 2021 and phased out in other markets as well. The new Kona also does not offer a diesel option.
Although Hyundai has denied reports of closing its engine development department, it has not addressed whether existing combustion powertrains will receive further improvements. Some Hyundai models, like the Venue, Creta, and Alcazar, still offer diesel engine options, but others have transitioned to newer generations without diesel powerplants.
Hyundai Australia introduced its first diesel-powered model, the Terracan SUV, in 2005. Since then, it has offered diesel powertrains in various models, including the i40, iLoad, iMax, ix35, Sonata, Accent, and Grandeur. However, the company has been gradually phasing out diesel engines from its lineup.
- Hyundai aims to transition customers from diesel to hybrid and eventually full EV models.
- Demand for hybrid models, such as the Santa Fe and upcoming Tucson, has been increasing.
- Hyundai’s decision is influenced by the company’s head office and the availability of supply.
- The next-generation Santa Fe will not include a diesel option, and the future of diesel engines in other models is uncertain.
- Hyundai Australia has a history of offering diesel powertrains but has been gradually phasing them out.
Hyundai Australia’s shift away from diesel models reflects a larger industry trend towards hybrid and electric vehicles. With increasing demand for hybrids and upcoming releases of hybrid models, the company is focusing on providing customers with more sustainable and efficient options. While the future of diesel engines in Hyundai models remains uncertain, the company’s commitment to hybrid and electric technologies is clear.
