Hyundai Motor Group under pressure to rebalance portfolio amid renewed tariff risks

Hyundai Motor Group is facing mounting pressure to market its higher-margin premium models more broadly and lower its reliance on the United States, as the carmaker tries to sustain growth amid renewed tariff risks, experts said Sunday. Market watchers said the group is unlikely to achieve a meaningful earnings rebound this year without changing its approach, noting that U.S. auto tariffs resulted in trillions of won in losses for its Hyundai and Kia brands last year. The tariff risk appeared to ease in November last year after the U.S. lowered an auto tariff on imports from Korea to 15 percent from 25 percent, following a new trade agreement between the two countries. However, with the Donald Trump administration recently threatening to reinstate the higher tariff on Korean vehicles, Hyundai Motor Group is once again exposed to external trade risks. Experts said the carmaker has to maximize sales of highly profitable models, such as luxury SUVs and vehicles with hybrid powertrains, to offset the firm’s potential earnings decline. “The carmaker needs to increase sales of profitable moWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times