Hyundai Starts IONIQ 3 Production in Turkey
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- Hyundai is launching its first B-segment EV, the IONIQ 3, with mass production starting mid-August 2026 at its Izmit, Turkey plant and European sales opening in H2 2026.
- Chung Euisun, Hyundai Motor Group CEO, personally visited the Turkey plant to inspect production readiness, emphasizing safety and quality as the brand aims to be recognized as a top European automaker.
- B-segment EV share in Europe is projected to grow from 14% to 33% by 2030 and 65% by 2035, with Hyundai targeting over 40,000 IONIQ 3 sales in 2027 to capture this shift.
- IONIQ 3 pricing starts at £22,245 ($29,800) in the UK and €27,995 ($32,000) in the Netherlands, with two battery options: 42.2 kWh (213 mi WLTP range) and 61 kWh (308 mi range).
- IONIQ 3 becomes Hyundai's first European vehicle with the next-gen Pleos infotainment system based on Android Automotive OS, featuring 12.9″ or 14.6″ screens and an AI companion called Gleo AI.
- Hyundai reported the IONIQ 3 has received "the highest-ever level of customer interest recorded for a new Hyundai model" ahead of launch.
Why it matters: Hyundai's £22,245 starting price positions the IONIQ 3 in Europe's B-segment, where EV share is projected to grow from 14% to 33% by 2030. The 40,000-unit 2027 target makes Turkey the proving ground for Hyundai's volume ambitions and its new Android-based in-car tech rollout.
