Latest news with #IONIQ9
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hyundai IONIQ 9 Named Favorite Plug-In EV By Midwest Automotive Media Association
Features standard NACS port and terrain modes for adventure-ready performance Consensus pick of around 80 automotive media at MAMA's Spring Rally CHICAGO, June 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hyundai IONIQ 9 has been honored as the Favorite Plug-in EV by the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) at their recent Spring Rally drive in Elkhart Lake, WI. This designation was awarded to the IONIQ 9 for its remarkable range, advanced interior features, and significant engagement during the media event. Approximately 80 new vehicle models were assessed during the program, and those receiving 'Favorites' accolades are considered candidates for MAMA's 'Favorite Vehicle of 2025,' which will be announced at the 2026 Chicago Auto Show. The MAMA award acknowledges exceptional vehicles across seven key categories, as determined by the votes of over 75 automotive journalists. "With its impressive 335-mile range estimate (IONIQ 9 RWD S) bold styling, and family-friendly versatility, the IONIQ 9 is earning accolades across the country," said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. "We're proud to showcase our latest electric SUV to media and consumers alike—especially those seeking a capable, three-row EV that fits their lifestyle." "Hyundai continues to be a favorite among MAMA journalists as it has consecutively won MAMA's Favorites accolades for the past three years. Hot off last year's big win as MAMA's Favorite Vehicle of the Year with the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, their latest electric model, the IONIQ 9 clinched MAMA's Favorite Plug-in Vehicle in a tie vote with the Volvo EX90 at our annual Spring Rally," said Jim O'Brill, MAMA President. "The IONIQ 9 is an impressive three row electric crossover that showcases innovative design, technology, and impressive range. The IONIQ 9 was constantly on the go as media captured content, evaluated, and for many, drove for the first time. It's no surprise that this was favored by our media members." About the Midwest Automotive Media AssociationFounded in 1991, the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) comprises about 300 automotive journalists and industry professionals from approximately 25 states and the District of Columbia. Though based in the Chicago area, MAMA welcomes members from all over. The organization's purpose is to provide a forum for newsworthy people, current issues, and new products in the auto industry. Hyundai Motor AmericaHyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
Hamilton Spectator
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
This family SUV doesn't compromise for being an EV. It's fast. It's smooth. It's roomy
Slithering its way through British Columbia's jaw-dropping Insular Mountains, postcard lakes and waterfalls, the Pacific Rim Highway is a lovely playground for any driving enthusiast looking for good time behind the wheel of a sports car or a motorcycle. But not a 6,000-pound SUV, unless you're a family of five casually heading to the beach as part of your summer vacation. The car I'm driving and this road would not appear to be a match. Yet, here I am, enjoying a relaxed conversation as I flog this enormous machine through the Rim's sweeping corners. At blistering speeds. With ease. This highway is a curvy stretch of tarmac that links the island's west and east coasts. Unless you opt for the seaplane ride, the road is the only way to get to the island's westernmost beach towns, Tofino and Ucluelet, where Hyundai is staging the Canadian launch of the all-new, all-electric IONIQ 9. This car is a big deal. If its mechanical twin, the Kia EV9, opened the door to three-row, mainstream electric propulsion, the IONIQ 9 is the inflection point, when EVs suddenly present very little compromise over their gasoline-powered equals. It also stands alone; nobody else currently sells a fully electric SUV that can seat six or seven, let alone tow up to 5,000 pounds. The only other option is to climb the ladder towards more expensive premium brands, with models such as the Cadillac Vistiq. The IONIQ 9 is a large SUV. It's slightly longer than Kia's EV9, but it borrows proportions from a minivan in how low-slung and close to the ground it sits. From some angles, it sort of reminds me of an early 1990s Pontiac Trans Sport. The front fascia is essentially a large, horizontal LED bar integrating Hyundai's pixel theme. The rear is considerably more striking, thanks to a sloping roof line that appears to have been taken straight off a Range Rover. The IONIQ 9's body curves inwards towards the back, a bit like a speedboat. Combined with the flared wheel arches, this aerodynamically efficient design gives the Hyundai a striking presence on the road. In Canada, Hyundai sells the IONIQ 9 in a wide range of different configurations, trim levels and price points, with an electric range of 500 km or more depending on the version you choose. There are five trim levels available, ranging from $59,999 for a rear-wheel-drive Essential base model, to $81,499 for a fully-loaded, all-wheel-drive Calligraphy, the model I am driving. Hyundai says it'll fast-charge its battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in under 24 minutes on a 350 kW charger, or even connect to a Tesla Supercharger, without requiring an adapter thanks to its integrated North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port. Hyundai says the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive IONIQ 9 Calligraphy cranks out a combined output of 422 horsepower and 515 pounds-feet of torque (motive force), but, from behind the wheel, it doesn't feel as fast as these numbers suggest. Rather, the IONIQ 9 uses its power for a consistently smooth operation, providing the sort of extra grunt required for overtaking, and never feels like a neck-snapping rocket ship in the process. What impressed me most is how smooth and compliant its suspension damping is. EVs, due to their excess weight and large wheels, tend to always be on the stiff side. You simply can't beat physics. A stiff suspension damper is usually a great way to mitigate the moving mass. Hyundai's engineers seem to have cracked the code of carrying a lot of weight elegantly. Over road undulations and sudden dips in the road, the IONIQ 9 exhibited well-mannered and button-down handling, as well as a constantly soft and smooth feel, without sacrificing the vehicle's reflexes in the corners. This is some of the most impressive suspension damping I've encountered. Hyundai's big beast oozes quality. In Calligraphy trim, the automaker has spiced up the cabin with fancier materials, such as a fake marble look on the passenger side of the dashboard. It's all very clean, minimalistic and functional, with impeccable fit and finish and a myriad of storage solutions, either around and inside the centre console, or in the deep door pockets. It's very spacious in there, and not just for the first two rows, but also in the third. Even for a taller passenger such as yours truly, accessing those rear seats was easy, thanks to a second row that moved quickly out of the way, making for a wide opening to climb aboard. Once back there, there's enough leg and headroom for a tall passenger to find comfort. The IONIQ 9 isn't cheap. I recommend sticking to the more affordable and value-packed Preferred AWD ($64,999) and Preferred AWD+ ($64,999) models. You also won't be able to fast-charge it to its potential on earlier versions of Tesla Superchargers, and the IONIQ 9 doesn't come with a level 1 charge cord to charge on a standard home wall outlet. You'll need to buy that at the dealer if you want it, a first for Hyundai EVs. But apart from these minor gripes, it seems as though South Korea Inc. has just batted another EV out of the park. Type: Five-door, mid-size electric SUV; dual-motor all-wheel drive Motors: Dual permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors, producing 422 horsepower and 515 pounds-feet of torque or motive force Battery: Liquid-cooled Lithium-ion 110.3 kWh Range: 500 kilometres (model tested) Energy: 2.6 litres equivalent/100 km in the city; 3.0 Le/100 km on the highway; 2.8 Le/100 km combined Cargo: 620 litres, or 21.9 cubic feet; 2,461l, or 86.9 cu. ft. in total Price: $81,499 as tested
Al Bawaba
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Hyundai IONIQ 9 voted Best Seven-Seat EV at the 2025 TopGear.com Electric Awards
The keenly anticipated Hyundai IONIQ 9 electric SUV has made a fast start to life in the UK by picking up its first major award already, being crowned Best Seven-Seat EV at the 2025 Electric annual awards, now in their sixth year, are a celebration of the top choices in the rapidly evolving world of electrified vehicles, recognising impressive innovation across a number of diverse categories. An expert panel of judges voted the IONIQ 9 as a clear winner as the Best Seven-Seat EV thanks to its practicality, sharp styling and smart technology, underscoring Hyundai's continued leadership in the field of Rix, Top Gear Editor-in-chief, said: 'Hyundai's IONIQ 9 is both accomplished and clever. Its people carrying, quasi-minibus remit means its design is less 'out there' than the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, but the result is still cool. More importantly, it's another Hyundai with design flair that is backed up by some genuinely useful thinking.'Since it was first revealed in Los Angeles in December, the IONIQ 9 has attracted plenty of praise thanks to its classy, clean and stylish design, with a premium, high-quality and beautifully executed cabin that provides a spacious, airy feeling. There's a major focus on comfort, with the cabin's lounge-like ambience offering exceptional roominess and innovative seating features for enhanced flexibility. There's generous storage room, too, with up to 1,323 litres of luggage room with the rearmost row of seats folded, or 620 litres with all rows in UK specification has yet to be finalised, all models are powered by a 110.3 kWh long-range battery, with three motor configurations possible and a range of up to 620 km (WLTP est.). Charging is convenient and ultra fast with 800V charge capability and with Vehicle-to-load (V2L) it makes EV life easier than driving experience is luxurious and refined, thanks to a smooth, comfortable ride, courtesy of a suspension set-up that has been specially designed for electric SUVs, featuring a MacPherson multi-link front and multi-link rear set-up, plus self-levelling UK model line-up and pricing for the IONIQ 9 will be confirmed later this year. Ashley Andrew, President of Hyundai & Genesis UK, said: 'The excitement that is building towards the arrival of the Hyundai IONIQ 9 in the UK is tangible, and Top Gear's award of Best Seven-Seat EV bolsters our confidence that this is a car which will hold very strong appeal for customers. Our electric offering is getting ever more comprehensive across the range, from small crossovers to performance cars to large SUVs, ensuring that whatever your need, we have an exceptional Hyundai that fits the bill.'
Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Coming to streets near you: Hyundai's made-in-Georgia, all-electric SUV
SAVANNAH, Georgia ― The day Hyundai broke ground on its Georgia electric vehicle factory in fall 2022, the automaker also staged the car equivalent of a fashion show at this city's Enmarket Arena. Hyundai had yet to announce what models it would build at what would become the Metaplant, so locals flocked to the open house in search of hints. The centerpiece display showcased an all-electric SUV, a concept car known as SEVEN. Last week, the SEVEN's production model, the IONIQ 9, made its debut on Savannah-area roadways in a preview event for automotive journalists from around the world. The IONIQ 9aims to fill an underserved niche within the company's electric vehicle fleet - a three-row SUV. As trade journalists tested the EVs and stopped them at photogenic and video-friendly spots - the downtown historic district, the Tybee Island beach, marsh-side avenues draped in Spanish moss - they were met by Savannahians curious about the cars. Chad Kirchner, who operates the EV news website was approached repeatedly while testing the IONIQ 9's charger attachments at a Tesla supercharger location in the Savannah suburb of Pooler. Most inquired about whether the model was built at the new factory. "People seemed genuinely excited," he said. "I've never been approached like that at a charging station before in any new car. Doing what I do, I get some attention. But this was next level and exciting." The public reaction is similar to when local residents see products made by the region's other two large-scale equipment makers, the business jet manufacturer Gulfstream and heavy equipment builder JCB. If sales go as planned, though, IONIQ 9s will be more frequently spotted than luxury private jets, backhoes and skid-steer loaders. Hyundai is the first auto manufacturer to open a Savannah-area facility - potentially a jolt for the economy here if EV sales continue to accelerate and the South Korean company successfully navigates Trump administration tariffs on auto parts. Seeing a bright future The IONIQ 9 is now available for sale in limited quantities and is the flagship model for Hyundai's IONIQ line, which includes the automaker's bestselling EV, the IONIQ 5, a compact crossover. Those two models are being produced at the assembly plant 30 minutes west of Savannah along I-16. The factory, the largest economic development project in state history, opened in October with a limited production schedule. IONIQ 9 manufacturing began earlier this year and all models for domestic sale will be made in Savannah. At full buildout, the Metaplant will have a production capacity of 500,000 vehicles annually and manufacture multiple EV and hybrid car models for Hyundai and its sister brands Kia and Genesis. Hyundai has yet to detail its ramp-up plans, although the automaker is confident recent sales growth will continue. Hyundai U.S. sales are up 33% over the last six years, with EVs making up 26% of the automaker's business. In the first three months of 2025, Hyundai sold 42% more EVs than during the same period in 2024. March was the second-highest sales month in company history. Hyundai has announced a goal of introducing 23 new EV models and manufacturing 1.44 million battery-powered cars annually by 2030, with the Georgia factory as the epicenter of U.S. production. All EVs currently rolling off the Savannah assembly line are for domestic sale. As part of a $2.1 billion state incentives package, Hyundai is committed to employing 8,500 workers on the $7.59 billion Metaplant manufacturing campus by 2031. In addition to the 2,600-worker car assembly facility, the site includes a 3,000-employee EV battery factory to open in 2026, a state-run Georgia QuickStart training center, a logistics supplier known as Hyundai Glovis and two major manufacturing partners. One, Hyundai Transys, builds seats while the other, Hyundai Mobis, consolidates parts into modules, including the passenger compartment, that streamline the assembly process. Why Savannah made sense Automakers typically stage what is known in the industry as a "drive" event in locales with varied terrain, better to showcase a new vehicle's performance. But Hyundai chose Savannah for the IONIQ 9 drive to show off the new factory to the automotive journalists. The Metaplant is a next-generation manufacturing facility using hundreds of robots in highly automated processes as well as self-propelled dollies that use GPS and motion sensors to navigate partially assembled EVs around the factory floor. The assembly plant tour left the journalists wowed and set up the afternoon-long test drives. Larger vehicles designed for families is a mostly untapped market for EV buyers that Hyundai is aiming to capture, said Kevin Ketels, an assistant professor of global supply chain management at Wayne State University. "The fact that they're an early entrant into the marketplace is good news for them," Ketels said. The IONIQ 9 is priced from $60,555 for the basic trim to $76,590 for the fully loaded version, the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Design. The EV is offered in nine paint colors and three interior colors. Georgia has emerged as Hyundai's home base for American-made, three-row electric SUVs. Kia, a Hyundai subsidiary that operates a plant in West Point, recently underwent a factory expansion to produce its three-row electric SUV model called the EV9. With the Trump administration's tariffs shaking the global trading landscape,Ketels added that it'll be important for Hyundai to try to source as many of its vehicle parts from North Americaand comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as USMCA. The IONIQ 5 sources its batteries from a Commerce battery factory and meets federal requirements for buyers to receive a $7,500 tax credit. The IONIQ 9 also qualifies for the tax credit and currently sources 60% of its parts from the U.S. and Canada. "If they can (get) vehicle content above 85% (USMCA compliant), then they might not have any tariffs that they have to pay on this," Ketels said. "So it'll be priced competitively for this vehicle segment." What to know about the Hyundai IONIQ 9 -Manufactured at Hyundai Metaplant in Ellabell, Georgia, near Savannah -Driving range varies from 335 to 355 miles per charge, with charging port access to 45,000-plus DC chargers -Accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds -Passenger compartment prioritizes space and has three rows of seating -Longest wheelbase in class produces roomy interior -Available in six different trim styles with prices ranging from $60,555 to $76,590 -Paint styles include nine exterior colors and three on the interior Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Georgia Hyundai factory fined for violating state wastewater rules
Business Georgia Hyundai factory fined for violating state wastewater rules Georgia environmental regulators have fined the hulking Hyundai electric vehicle factory nearSavannah $30,000 for violating state wastewater disposal rules. The $7.6 billion facility, known as the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, opened in October and is the largest economic development project in Georgia history. The plant manufactures two of Hyundai's EV models, the IONIQ 5 and the IONIQ 9. The fine levied by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division concerns the Metaplant's handling of its industrial wastewater. In a statement, Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America spokesperson Bianca Johnson said the facility "has worked diligently with the EPD on all aspects of our wastewater management issues and improvements." "HMGMA (Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America) has upgraded its wastewater treatment equipment and continues to work with the EPD to ensure compliance," Johnson added. Inside the Metaplant, metal finishing and other manufacturing processes produce hundreds of thousands of gallons of wastewater each month, according to contracts shared with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Hyundai's long-term plan for managing its wastewater is to pump it for treatment at a new water reclamation facility in Bryan County, where the factory is. But that plant is still under construction and won't be operational until later this year. In the meantime, Savannah had permitted Hyundai to release wastewater into the city's sewer system for treatment at the Travis Field Water Reclamation Facility near Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. That arrangement didn't last long. In September, less than a month after Hyundai began sending effluent to Savannah, the company says it notified the city that its wastewater "exceeded their limits" and immediately halted its discharges. On Oct. 1, the city of Savannah sent a notice of violation to Hyundai showing that high levels of copper and zinc were detected in wastewater it received from Hyundai. The metal concentrations, Savannah water officials said, were disrupting the chemical treatments and bacteria Savannah uses to ensure wastewater is safe before releasing it into the environment. With the Savannah option off the table, Hyundai turned to another stopgap solution: Last fall, the Metaplant began storing wastewater on site and using outside companies to haul it to facilities in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina, according to an EPD consent order. The problem, EPD says, is that Georgia's water quality rules require factories like Hyundai's to obtain a separate permit before transferring wastewater to other facilities. Once the Metaplant was no longer a construction site, Hyundai's storage of wastewater in sewage tanks on site also violated state law, EPD said. The Metaplant's wastewater treatment issues were first reported by The Current. On top of the fine, EPD ordered Hyundai to submit a corrective action plan. Johnson, the Hyundai Metaplant spokesperson, said the company submitted the plan to EPD last week and is working with the agency on a final version. Trip Tollison, the CEO and president of the Savannah Economic Development Authority - which helped recruit the Metaplant to the Savannah area - said he was encouraged by Hyundai's work toward a permanent wastewater solution. "HMGMA is creating jobs and opportunities for thousands of Georgians, and we are confident they will continue to make positive contributions to the local economy while upholding their environmental responsibilities," Tollison said. The dustup is the latest stir the massive plant has caused in southeast Georgia, where water supplies are tight and closely managed. Hyundai's plan to pump millions of gallons of groundwater a day from a neighboring county for EV manufacturing has drawn pushback from farmers living near the wells who worry the factory's thirst could leave their own wells dry. Last fall, EPD approved permits for the wells in nearby Bulloch County. The nonprofit Ogeechee Riverkeeper, which has challenged local decisions concerning the Metaplant's environmental impact, said it was pleased with EPD's fine and expects "it will serve as a deterrent to industrial wastewater producers against any future violations." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
