Hyundai targets rental with strengthened compact range

Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe wants to more than double its European market share in the sub-10t excavator segment with more machines and a focus on the rental market.

Speaking to International Rental News at Bauma, Ben Gorton, product manager for the compact segment in Europe, said; “We’ve got really big ambitions to be a compact player in Europe. In 2024 we achieved 2.2% market share and we are ambitious for a 5% share.

“To do that, we need to add at least three models into our lineup from one to 10t, and that includes an additional midi excavator and a 1.5t machine dedicated to the rental sector.”

The company already has the high-specification HX19 machine, but Garton said the new 1.5t model would be “a simple, robust, well-priced machine.” Key target markets for the new model will be the UK, Germany and France.

Garton said the complete compact range could be ready by the end of 2026, with an updated diesel powered HX10 available by the end of this year, to be followed by an electric version.

Rental will be “absolutely essential” for the compact strategy, said Garton, “It’s probably been the one thing that’s been missing over the past few years. Without developing our success in the rental market, we’ve hit our ceiling…but developing key account rental relationships will be the thing that takes us to that next level.

“Getting our dealers in position to be able to do those deals and to support those deals in the aftermarket, that’s going to be one of our most important jobs over the next 18 months.”

Hyundai launched multiple products at Bauma, including the electric HX19e model, Hyundai’s first compact electric machine.

Assembled in China and using Hyundai group battery technology, the machine will operate for up to 12 hours on a single charge.

Ben Gorton, product manager for Hyundai Construction Equipment’s compact range in Europe. (Photo: IRN)

“We are optimistic that the HX19e will be an opportunity for us to have more conversations”, said Barton, “It’s not just an electric mini excavator, it’s a solution, ultimately. So, when our customers, or our customers’ customers, are looking for a net zero mini excavator that they can have confidence that it will run for 12 hours.” Retail price is around double that of a conventional diesel powered machine.

The HX19e, which weighs around 2.3t, will be offered with a choice of two lithium-ion battery packs, delivering 32kWh and 40kWh capacity.