Hyundai Motors Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) President Jose Muñoz [사진=현대차]
Hyundai Motor Company’s Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) President Jose Muñoz made his first official appearance since being appointed as CEO. The stage was the IONIQ 9 World Premiere, with over 300 people including global media and opinion leaders in attendance, putting the IONIQ 9 on the world stage for the first time. Announcing the launch of a new electric vehicle in the market despite the change of government in the United States and the chasm seems to mean that confidence in its marketability is strong. Hyundai Motor Group, which entered its second heyday with the operation of Metaplant America (HMGMA), plans to become a premium brand in name and reality with the launch of the IONIQ 9, a large sports utility vehicle (SUV).
Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the electric SUV IONIQ 9 for the first time in the world at the Goldstein House in Los Angeles, USA on the 21st.
IONIQ 9 is the third model of IONIQ, Hyundai’s exclusive electric vehicle brand, and is the first electric large SUV to expand the brand lineup. Hyundai Motors Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jose Muñoz, who was the presenter on this day, said, “Hyundai Motors recorded the highest operating profit ratio in history last year and produced its 100 millionth vehicle in September this year,” adding, “We are producing this product faster than any of our competitors.” “We achieved this figure and the first vehicle to reach the monumental 100 million mark was the IONIQ 5,” he said.
President Jose Muñoz, who announced a new leap forward with the IONIQ 9, emphasized, “I have test driven it several times, and I can confidently say that it is truly the best.” He confidently said, “The interior, which was designed with wide space in mind, not only has excellent design but also has very flexible usability, and all the experience learned from IONIQ 5 and 6 has been applied.”
IONIQ 9 pursues the value of ‘Built to belong’. The intention is to provide ample space for customers who feel disconnected in a hyper-connected society to form bonds. In fact, as a large SUV model, the IONIQ 9 has a wheelbase of 3130 mm, the largest in its class. The overall length is 5060 mm, the overall width is 1980 mm, and the overall height is 1790 mm. Spacious space is secured with a 6:4 split folding seat, swivel seat, and universal island 2.0 console. Based on E-GMP, it is equipped with a 110.3 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery and can run up to 532 km in one trip. In that Goldstein House, where the event was held on this day, is a major community in LA where passion, values, and a sense of belonging can be shared, it is also connected to the ‘spatiality’ pursued by IONIQ 9.
Hyundai Motor Company plans to aim for the top position in the North American electric vehicle market with the launch of the IONIQ 9. Hyundai Motor Company (including Genesis) sold 741,137 electric vehicles in the United States from January to October this year. Ioniq 5 and 6 sales totaled 44,750 units, accounting for 82.4% of electric vehicle sales. The selection of the IONIQ 5 as the first mass-produced model of Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) is believed to have been due to this popularity. If the IONIQ 9 enters the U.S. semi-large SUV segment market, which has an annual capacity of 1.3 million units, next year, Hyundai Motor Company is expected to be able to capture both profitability and sales volume. President Jose Muñoz expressed his ambition, saying, “We will sell 2 million electric vehicles per year, including the IONIQ 9, by 2030.”
Reporter information Los Angeles (USA) = Kwon Ga-rim hidden@ajunews.com
**How does the IONIQ 9’s launch in Los Angeles, particularly at the Goldstein House, strategically position Hyundai within the competitive landscape of luxury electric SUVs in North America?**
## World Today News Interview: The Launch of Hyundai IONIQ 9
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News! Today, we have with us two experts to discuss the highly anticipated launch of the Hyundai IONIQ 9, a groundbreaking electric SUV making waves in the automotive industry. Joining us are [Guest 1 Name and Title], and [Guest 2 Name and Title].
**Section 1: Hyundai’s Ambitions and the Significance of IONIQ 9**
(To both Guests)
* **World Today News:** Jose Muñoz, Hyundai’s Global COO, emphasized the IONIQ 9 as a “new leap forward” for the brand. Hyundai has already achieved significant milestones, such as hitting 100 million vehicles produced and boasting a high operating profit ratio. How does the IONIQ 9signal Hyundai’s ambitions in the global electric vehicle market, and particularly in North America?
* **World Today News:** The choice of launching the IONIQ 9 in Los Angeles, specifically at the Goldstein House, seems deliberate. What message do you think Hyundai is trying to convey by choosing this location and emphasizing the theme of “belonging”?
**Section 2: IONIQ 9’s Target Audience and Design Philosophy**
(To Guest 1)
* **World Today News:** The IONIQ 9 is touted as the first electric large SUV in Hyundai’s dedicated electric vehicle lineup. Who is the target audience for this vehicle? How does its design cater to the specific needs and preferences of this audience?
(To Guest 2)
* **World Today News:** The article mentions the “Built to Belong” concept, focusing on spaciousness and flexible usability. How does the IONIQ 9’s interior design reflect this philosophy, and how might it enhance the driving experience for different demographics and lifestyles?
**Section 3: Market Competition and Future Prospects**
(To both Guests)
* **World Today News:** Hyundai faces strong competition in the electric SUV segment from both established players and new entrants. What competitive advantage does the IONIQ 9 offer, considering factors like its range, performance, and technological features?
* **World Today News:** Jose Muñoz expressed ambitious goals to sell 2 million electric vehicles annually by 2030. How realistic is this target, and what factors might contribute to the success or challenges of achieving it?
**Closing:**
Thank you, [Guest 1 Name] and [Guest 2 Name] for providing these insightful perspectives on the Hyundai IONIQ 9. Its launch marks a significant step in the transition to electric mobility, and it will be exciting to see how it shapes the automotive landscape in the years to come.
