Hyundai, Kia said to make low-cost SUVs to battle China rivals

Seoul

HYUNDAI Motor and affiliate Kia Motors plan to launch three low-cost sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in China, their biggest market, from next year, people with knowledge of the plans told Reuters.

Making cheaper models, their first for China, marks a shift for the South Korean carmakers, whose strategy of appealing to price-conscious Chinese buyers with older model versions has faltered as local brands surge.