The Hyundai IONIQ 9 electric SUV is displayed during the AutoMobility LA Auto Show 2024 at the LA Convention Center in Los Angeles, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024. EPA-Yonhap

Major carmakers are realigning their 2025 management strategies, focusing on electric SUVs to tackle growing risks posed by the global automobile market downturn, industry officials said Wednesday.

According to data from the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association, the number of car sales in Korea is estimated to have dropped by 6.3 percent in 2024 from a year earlier. This is attributed to weakened customer confidence amid prolonged high interest rates and economic downturn.

However, carmakers seek to rekindle consumer sentiment by launching their strategic electric SUV models.

Hyundai Motor is scheduled to launch its largest electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, in the first quarter of 2025. The vehicle was unveiled in November 2024, featuring a spacious interior and an impressive driving range of 542 kilometers on a single charge.

Hyundai Motor expects the new large-size electric vehicle (EV) to absorb growing demand for family SUVs.

The 2025 Equinox EV / AP-Yonhap

Kia is also working to drive the popularization of EVs with the planned launch of its EV5 midsize electric SUV in the latter half of this year. In 2024, the carmaker launched its much-hyped EV3 compact SUV with a reasonable price.

Along with the EV3, EV6 and EV9, Kia will be able to build a tighter EV lineup with the launch of the EV5.

"Demand for EVs still remains lukewarm, but carmakers cannot delay their drive for EVs, as they will soon become the new normal," an official from a carmaker said.

"Electric SUVs are particularly well-positioned for their next profit booster, as demand for SUVs rapidly grows."

General Motors Korea is also set to launch the all-electric 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV. The midsize electric SUV boasts a decent range of 483 kilometers on a single charge. The vehicle has drawn popularity in the U.S. market, chalking up sales of 9,772 in the third quarter of 2024.

Renault Korea plans to launch the Scenic E-tech electric SUV this year. The local subsidiary of the French carmaker aims to continue its winning streak with the strategic model, after reporting robust sales growth with the launch of the Grand Koleos SUV last year.