Korean auto major Hyundai is aiming to develop cars from scratch in India, which is its second biggest global market after China, in its bid to strengthen its position in the country.The company, which will launch a new compact car Grand i10 next month in the market, is hoping to cater to markets similar to India with such products which will be designed and developed here.”Yes, the aim is to have a car fully developed here in India. It won’t happen in the next three to four years. It can happen after five years or more,” Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) chief coordinator C.H. Han said.

Elaborating reasons for the need to be able to develop cars in India, he said: “At present, HMIL engineers are only playing a supporting role in HMC’s (Hyundai Motor Co) global development. But for HMIL not only to strengthen position in India but also to able to cater to similar markets, it is important for it to be able to develop cars on its own.”

Mr. Han, however, said such a programme is in the long term as the current capability and strength of the company’s research and development centre at Hyderabad is still much lower compared to the parent’s centre in Korea.Started in 2009, HMIL’s R&D centre has been providing an active supporting role in adapting products for the Indian requirement on platforms developed by the parent, mainly in areas of safety features and design components.

The Grand i10 will come with two engine variants —  1.1 litre diesel and 1.2 litre petrol. It will be launched in September.

  Hyundai