Can the ninth-generation hybrid version of Hyundai Sonata, which will be launched in 2018, become a sales savior for Korean cars?

Due to the changing world situation, the sales of Korean brand cars in the domestic market in 2017 obviously suffered a Waterloo.

Judging from the sales data in the first half of 2017, among Korean brands, the two major brands, Hyundai and Kia, both performed poorly. Among them, Beijing Hyundai's cumulative sales in the first half of the year were 301,000 vehicles, a year-on-year decrease of 42.4% in the first half of last year, which was seriously below official expectations.

Recently, the domestically produced Beijing Hyundai Sonata ninth-generation hybrid version appeared in the latest batch of vehicle access catalogs of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Following market trends and launching mainstream models in the direction of new energy may become a new plan to save the declining sales of Korean cars.

Judging from the declaration pictures in the vehicle access catalog, the appearance of the ninth-generation Sonata hybrid version has not changed much compared to ordinary models. It only adds a new five-spoke wheel and a hidden exhaust pipe design. However, the Plug-in logo on the rear of the car still shows its plug-in hybrid characteristics.

Relevant information shows that in terms of power, the ninth-generation Sonata hybrid version is expected to be equipped with a plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, an electric motor and a ternary lithium battery pack. The engine has a maximum power of 156 horsepower, but with the cooperation of the electric unit, it can achieve better acceleration performance and higher fuel economy.

In terms of price, the actual market price of the ninth-generation Beijing Hyundai Sonata is currently within the 200,000 yuan range for all models. Taking into account factors such as cost, the mixed version that is about to be launched should target the mid-size car market in the 200,000-250,000 yuan range.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.