Hyundai has announced that it will begin selling its Veracruz SUV in the European market starting in October 2008. Introduced earlier this year in the U.S. to compete with the Lexus RX, the Euro-spec Veracruz will be powered by a 2.2L turbo-diesel engine and will sell for about 45,000 euros.
Following the automaker’s new nomenclature, the Veracruz will be renamed the IX 55 in European markets.
Hyundai is being conservative with its IX 55 sales estimate and has set a sales target of only 5,000 units annually. “The brand’s largest crossover will be sold in Europe [to boost our] image and that’s why we are forecasting sales of only 5,000 units,” Rafael Aguillo, deputy director of marketing for Hyundai Motor Europe told Automotive News.
The IX 55 will compete with the Volkswagen Touareg.
10/23, 8:24 AM
posted by:
Rotman
As if we don’t have enough ugly plastic boxes on the road yet. Get outta here Hyundai! Come back with something nice!
10/23, 8:58 AM
posted by:
sharpie
Would they fit in an alley?
10/23, 9:09 AM
posted by:
autonut
RAV-4 and CR-V fits in alleys just fine. They also selling quite well for their price. Actually Europeans are building their equivalents now to fill demand. 45K Euros is over 60K. Boy I feel for Europeans, here they are at 38K with V6.
10/23, 9:29 AM
posted by:
Rotman
Don’t forget the $7/gallon gas price over here.
10/23, 9:35 AM
posted by:
autonut
That is why they all diesels. They are actually not that expensive to operate, well not withstanding initial price. Any Europeans to dispute or back me up?
10/23, 10:09 AM
posted by:
Commodore
Is it diesel? Because you might as well readjust your sales estimate to a three digit number unless you offer diesel.
10/23, 10:38 AM
posted by:
autonut
Don’t listen to me: read the article. I saw with my own eyes 2.2L diesel.
10/23, 2:05 PM
posted by:
2008PowerStrokeF450Lariat
hey, those things drive very well. can’t believe it didn’t win MT SUV of the Year though. that CX-9 won the award. ive heard many complaints on how the seats feel and etc. plus the veracruz looks good too. im thinking of buying one myself. should, should sell in europe, but 5,000 units is VERY conservative, but who can blame them.
10/24, 3:30 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Lariat: I like the CX-9 enough to buy one.