Hyundai Germany’s balanced powertrain strategy amid rising EVs

Head of Hyundai Deutschland Ulrich Mechau said the company intends to keep a broad mix of powertrains even as it advances electrification. In his view, battery-electric models play a central role in the brand’s strategy, yet gasoline and diesel vehicles will remain in the lineup. It’s a pragmatic stance in a market that is shifting, but not all at once.

In 2024, Hyundai sold 96,365 new cars in Germany, taking a 3.4% share. Electric vehicles now account for 28% of the total, with the compact Inster becoming the country’s best-selling electric small car. The new Ioniq 9 has also drawn positive feedback, signaling the brand’s move into the premium SUV arena.

The company aims to electrify all of its model ranges by 2026, though it does not plan to abandon internal combustion entirely. Mechau emphasized that EV adoption in Europe is progressing more slowly than forecast, so maintaining flexibility and giving customers a choice—whether electric or with a traditional engine—remains essential. That balance should help Hyundai meet demand as it really is, rather than as projections once assumed.