If you have not looked at the Hyundai line in some time, you may have missed many of the updates the Korean automaker has made in just the past few years.

New Products

In 2009, the automaker introduced America to its Genesis portfolio, featuring a sport coupe and luxury sedan. In 2010, the next generation Hyundai Sonata was rolled out, offering much improved styling and excellent fuel economy. Before 2011 rolls around the Equus sedan will be introduced, a full-sized luxury sedan designed to compete with the likes of the BMW 7-Series.

Those changes have enabled Hyundai to pick up market share and compete with its chief Asian rivals: Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Importantly, Hyundai has served notice that it plans to continue to enter segments it previously was absent from including perhaps pickup trucks.

Market Position

Hyundai is not resting on its laurels, planning to introduce new models, engine choices and other features in a bid to pick up market share. Already the fourth largest automaker in the world, the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group surged from eleventh place in less a decade, a remarkable feat in an ultra-competitive consumer market.

The Sonata will soon offer a hybrid version, a model featuring a lithium-ion battery pack. That lighter system will put it at an advantage to the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid which still user older nickel-cadmium technology. Importantly, the Sonata Hybrid is expected to deliver 40 mpg, putting it just ahead of the current market leader, the Fusion Hybrid.

Planned Releases

2011 will prove to be a busy year for Hyundai. The Equus will be in Hyundai showrooms and the next generation Elantra compact will be there too. The Elantra will feature a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Soon after its January release, the subcompact Accent will also debut, with a slightly smaller four-cylinder engine will be offered.

Also planned is the Veloster coupe, filling a void in the Hyundai line up that appeared when the Tiburon disappeared a few years ago. Based on the Elantra platform, the Veloster will feature a highly unusual roofline with a tall A pillar and thick B pillar. Indeed, if there is a C pillar present, that part of the car is not evident.

The Veloster will share the same platform powering the Elantra and make use of its 1.6-liter engine. 40 mpg highway is expected to be within reach of this rakish sport coupe.

Under Consideration

Hyundai may introduce its Sonata wagon to the US market, a model currently sold in Europe only, where these kinds of body styles are popular. That model is under consideration as are what could prove to be the first production hydrogen car and perhaps a pick up truck.

Whatever comes forth from Hyundai will likely stimulate consumer interest, a brand that has evolved from plain to powerful in less than a decade. That’s good news for everyone because Hyundai’s new leadership role has forced its competitors to modify their product plans accordingly.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy’s Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Nissan parts and Mustang body kits.