Executive Oversight Ensures Production Readiness
Hyundai’s plant in Izmit, Turkey, has officially begun mass production of the IONIQ 3 in mid-August, marking a significant step for the B-segment electric SUV designed specifically for the European market. Hyundai Motor Group CEO Chung Euisun recently visited the Izmit facility to inspect the production process, from body manufacturing to final assembly, emphasizing the importance of quality and safety.
During his inspection, Chung stated, "We must ensure the highest quality from the early stages of mass production, particularly in safety, to ensure the IONIQ 3 is recognized as the best vehicle in Europe." He also visited Hyundai Mobis’ battery system assembly line to review the production process and ensure supply chain stability. Hyundai has been producing pre-production models of the IONIQ 3 since May to prepare for the mid-August mass production launch.
Hyundai’s First B-Segment Electric SUV for Europe
The IONIQ 3 is Hyundai’s first B-segment electric SUV tailored for the European market. With dimensions of 4,155 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,505 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,680 mm, it is slightly smaller than the Kia EV3. Hyundai has noted that the IONIQ 3 has generated the highest level of customer interest for any new model launch in the company’s history, reflecting strong market anticipation.
The IONIQ 3 will join Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup alongside models such as the Inster, Kona Electric, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9. Hyundai aims to sell over 40,000 units of the IONIQ 3 in Europe by 2027, positioning it as a cornerstone of its growth strategy in the region. The B-segment currently accounts for approximately 15% of the European market, with electric vehicles making up around 14% of that segment. This share is projected to rise to 33% by 2030 and potentially reach 65% by 2035.