PETALING JAYA: The Hyundai Sonata, Kia Stinger and Kia K5 are expected to be axed as Hyundai Motor steers a course that would help it tap into the world's love affair with SUVs.
For sure, the Stinger would be the first on the chopping block. While the model proved that Kia could build a sexy rear-wheel drive car, it just didn't sell enough to save itself. Latest online reports are saying it could be discontinued as soon as the second quarter of 2022.
The Sonata and K5 (formerly Optima) are more mainstream models, sharing the same platform, and both are likely to go the way of the dodo. But not immediately.
While Hyundai has told Automotive News that the Sonata remains an important model and will be around for the foreseeable future, it still wasn't enough to quash rumours that the Korean car maker is gearing up to end its production in 2027 or 2028 after a facelift change.
If it is going to be curtains for the Sonata, it would make sense to delete the K5 as well from the Kia portfolio.
