Hyundai plans 13-model display at Auto Expo including Elevate Walking Car concept

Hyundai Motor India has confirmed its model display at next week's Auto Expo Motor Show 2020 at the India Expo Mart, Noida and it comprises all of 13 models: new unveils, the current line-up and future concepts. The overall theme for the Korean carmaker is 'Freedom in Future Mobility' at its stall in Hall 3 spread across an expansive 3,147 square metres.  From the India market perspective, the highlight will be the global reveal of the second-generation Creta SUV.

Commenting on the line-up of products for the Auto Expo, S S Kim, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India said, “Hyundai Motor India is committed to offer people quality time as well as happiness and joy while continuously evolving the mobility solution with human-centric technologies. Hyundai will showcase its technology prowess under the theme ‘Freedom in Future Mobility’ and unveil the upcoming Trendsetter SUVs for the Indian market.”

The focus on product and technology prowess will be displayed at a 'Unique Islands' display with the Kona Electric and Nexo FCEV cars. The company's expertise at in-vehicle connectivity will be showcased through Hyundai's BlueLink Technology via an interactive wall to enable showgoers to get familiar with the tech. Seen here with the Venue compact SUV and the new Elantra sedan.

There will also be the N Brand Island which will display Hyundai N brand's "high-performance vehicles that are fun to drive, with everyday usability and track capability. The island will showcase Hyundai’s commitment towards motorsports."

Future concepts including Elevate walking car
The Hyundai stand will house a number of concept cars aimed at showcasing new styling and technology from the company. It all starts with the 'Le Fil Rouge (HDC-1)' concept, which was first showcased at the Geneva Motor Show two years ago.

The HDC-1 concept car (above) marks a new era for Hyundai design and provides a glimpse of its future design cues. Le Fil Rouge (common thread) is a reflection of Hyundai’s belief that the brand’s past, present and future designs are all connected, says the company.

There will also be the Hyundai Kite, a two-seater dune buggy concept vehicle that converts into a single-seater jet ski.

The most striking concept vehicle in show will be the Elevate, which has the ability to walk. It was showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show in January this year. It blends technology found in electric cars and robots, which allows it to traverse terrain beyond the limitations of even the most capable off-road vehicle

Elevate could be used to reduce disaster response times by making it easier for emergency vehicles to get through the rubble of collapsed structures.

Called Elevate, the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMW) is designed to be used by rescue services in emergencies such as natural disasters. Hyundai says it showcases technology that will be able to “take people where no vehicle has been before”.

The Elevate makes use of four moveable legs to “traverse terrain beyond the limitations of even the most capable off-road vehicle”, according to the Korean manufacturer. 

It says the Elevate could be used to reduce disaster response times by making it easier for emergency vehicles to get through the rubble of collapsed structures.

The Elevate sits atop a modular electric vehicle platform, which allows for the easy installation of different body shells if necessary. Each wheel is independently powered, and this, alongside a 15-foot track width, allows the vehicle to move with “mammalian and reptilian” walking gaits.

In drive mode, the legs are stowed away and a more conventional passive suspension system is activated. Hyundai claims the concept is capable of driving at normal motorway speeds. 

A Hyundai spokesperson had told Autocar UK at the CES 2019 that there are no immediate plans for Elevate to enter production, stating that it was instead “designed with a view to how future mobility could evolve in the emergency response environment”.

: Elevate is the first Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV),