Hyundai hints at major upgrades to platforms next year

-3rd generation upgrade for all Hyundai and Kia platforms
-Will comprise the six platforms that Hyundai currently runs on
-Aimed at improving safety, performance and modularity in terms of vehicles

Hyundai has hinted at third generations of its six platforms in 2019. This will be the first major update for the platforms since 2013 with a focus on weight reduction, increased safety and modularity in terms of design.

Hyundai currently operates six platforms ranging from the ones underpinning its small cars all the way to a commercial vehicle platform that underpins its trucks and vans. While improved safety and weight reduction were expected in lieu of future compliance norms, the one that caught our attention is the increase in adaptability a.k.a modularity in the platforms. 

This means there will be further integration among vehicles from different sizes and layouts, thus expanding Hyundai’s global model line-up. What's more is that Hyundai plans to have 31 green cars in its global line up by 2020 and the modularity will help them achieve this across all six platforms. This includes EVs, PHEVs and fuel cell cars and you can read about that here. 

It will be an important step for Hyundai in India as it is one of the South Korean automaker’s main production hubs in the region and thus will be one of the first places to get these upgrades. For the Indian market, there are two possibilities with regard to these upgraded platforms. We could get it in the next generation Grand i10 that is slated fot debut in 2019. The other possibility is that it will debut with the next generation Elite i20 around 2021 and consequently, also make its way to the Verna, i20 Active, QXi compact SUV and the Creta as well.