Hyundai-Kia group to make e-cars in India

Korean group companies Hyundai and Kia Motors are finalising local manufacturing plans for electric cars in India, e-charging their operations at a time when the government is preparing an ambitious strategy to push locally sourced clean fuel mobility. For powering the vehicles - that may range from a mini SUV to even clean versions of Hyundai's existing compact cars - the Korean auto giants are looking at the possibility of partnering compatriot LG for batteries, while also studying which of their international suppliers can be brought to India. The push by Hyundai-Kia comes at a time when the Maruti Suzuki-Toyota combine is close to launching locally made electric products (from next year), and Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors are expanding their e-fleet. Hyundai will initially test the waters with the launch of the Kona electric SUV that will be assembled at its Chennai plant.