SEOUL, South Korea — The Hyundai ix35, the Korean automaker's first SUV with European roots, will make its world debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. In a statement, Hyundai said the ix35 will "replace the Tucson."
But while company insiders tell Inside Line that the ix35 will come to the U.S. in 2010 as a 2011 model, the details — such as whether the Tucson's name will be changed here — are sketchy. Hyundai Motor America spokesman Dan Bedore told Inside Line on Monday that he "can't comment on U.S. plans" for the SUV.
Hyundai's home office released a teaser image of the vehicle, showing the nameplate and little else. It noted that the ix35 "represents a major step forward for Hyundai in Europe," since it is the first SUV to be "conceived and engineered in Europe." The design harks back to the HED-6 concept car that debuted at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.
Hyundai will also show off what it calls a "significantly revised Santa Fe" at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. "The upgrades for the Santa Fe include revisions to the powertrain, steering and suspension," the company said in a statement.
The ix35's will debut on September 15, when Hyundai says it will announce further information about the SUV.
Inside Line says: The Tucson is about to get a major makeover, thanks to a Euro-inspired redesign. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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