Hyundai has slashed the lead times on its popular Kona EV model to just a few days, following a ramp-up in production.

The zero-emission model carried a lead time of more than 12 months when it initially went on sale last year.

Through the introduction of manufacture at its European Czech-based plant and by increasing existing availability from its facility in Ulsan, South Korea, increased supply has now made its way to the UK market.

Hyundai would not provide an exact number, but said it is able to supply "thousands" of vehicles this year.

Demand remains strong among fleet customers, especially for Hyundai’s long-range zero emission models, and Hyundai says this increased availability will provide fleets and leasing companies with the confidence to market these products to their drivers and customers.

Andrew Tracey, sales director at Hyundai Motor UK, said: “These have been the most unprecedented of times with many businesses affected.  Much needs to be done now to evolve in light of all the learnings but I strongly believe that consumer confidence is the key to recovery.

“Hyundai is working with all our customers to understand their short, medium and long term requirements for vehicles.  Every part of the industry needs to have the capacity to meet customers’ expectations now that the market is slowly reopening, and we are of course no exception to this. Adopting and maintaining a customer-centric and flexible approach will be our main priority for the future.”

Throughout lockdown, Hyundai’s Fleet team - which remained fully operational thanks to the Company’s decision not to seek government support or to furlough staff - worked closely with end users and fleet leasing companies who were using this period as an opportunity to review fleet policies and in many cases moving to Whole Life Cost methods and ultra-low emission vehicles. 

In total, 125 new fleet policies have been signed, with a broad spectrum of new and high-profile customers turning to the brand.

The team was also able to provide support to existing fleet customers, some of whom were hit hard, by accommodating cancelled orders and delayed deliveries as well as arranging special dealer deliveries where it was necessary to keep key workers moving.

Hyundai currently offers the Kona Hybrid and Kona Electric, IONIQ Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and Electric along with mild hybrid Tucson models, and – by the end of the year –three quarters of the entire Hyundai range will be electrified, with the addition of new 48V mild hybrid i20 & i30 and Hybrid & Plug-In Hybrid Santa Fe.

The brand says it offers the broadest range of electrified powertrains in the industry and now with increased supply and no waiting time, on top of the enormous cost saving benefits of electric vehicles to fleet buyers, it will ensure that low and zero emission motoring will be more accessible to company car buyers and managers than ever before.

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