Feb. 20, 2026 | The week’s top stories and Hyundai Canada CEO Steve Flamand
About this episode
Hyundai Canada CEO Steve Flamand discusses the brand's record sales and market share growth in a conversation with Automotive News Canada publisher Tim Domopoulos. Flamand highlights Hyundai's commitment to product quality and customer experience as key factors in their success. The episode also covers significant industry news, including GM's investment in its Oshawa plant and Toyota's introduction of humanoid robots in Ontario. The discussion touches on the evolving automotive landscape, government policies, and Hyundai's strategy for electrification and product diversification.
GM spends in Oshawa; Toyota to deploy humanoid robots. Plus, Hyundai Canada CEO Steve Flamand sits down with Automotive News Canada for a lengthy fireside chat.
Hyundai Venue
"...from an entry-level vehicle like the Venue all the way to an Ioniq 9 at the top of the lineup."
The Hyundai Venue is a small SUV that is budget-friendly and great for city driving. It's popular for its size and features, making it a good choice for many drivers.
The Hyundai Venue is a subcompact SUV that offers a blend of practicality and affordability, making it an accessible option for many consumers. It's designed to cater to those looking for a smaller vehicle with modern features.
Hyundai Ioniq 9
"...ry-level vehicle like the Venue all the way to an Ioniq 9 at the top of the lineup. And of course with the..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a new electric car from Hyundai that will be available soon. It's designed to be roomy and packed with modern technology, making it a good choice for people who want to drive an environmentally friendly car. The Ioniq 9 is important because it shows that more car companies are making electric vehicles.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an upcoming electric vehicle that is part of Hyundai's Ioniq lineup, which focuses on eco-friendly transportation. It aims to provide advanced technology and a spacious interior, making it suitable for families and tech-savvy consumers. The Ioniq 9 is significant as it represents Hyundai's commitment to electric mobility and sustainable driving solutions.
Hyundai Palisade
"...the Palisade winning the utility vehicle of the year award with the introduction of the hybrid."
The Hyundai Palisade is a larger SUV that is great for families. It has a lot of space and features that make it comfortable and safe for everyone.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and family-friendly design. It has gained recognition for its overall value and comfort.
hybrid
"...the Palisade winning the utility vehicle of the year award with the introduction of the hybrid. They are very, very happy, very proud."
A hybrid car uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. This helps it use less fuel and produce fewer emissions, making it better for the environment.
A hybrid vehicle combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This technology allows for better performance and lower fuel costs.
electrification
"...it's really about the product and consumer preferences to move the needle on electrification? Do they matter still?..."
Electrification means switching from cars that run on gas to cars that run on electricity. It's about making more electric cars available.
Electrification refers to the process of replacing traditional internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs), which are powered by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel.
EV
"...the latest EV entry to the portfolio. So we're going full speed with the whole development of even more EVs..."
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. This means it can be better for the environment.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional fuels like gasoline or diesel.
internal combustion engine
"So whether it's an internal combustion engine, a hybrid plug-in hybrid, an EV, we even have a fuel cell vehicle in Canada."
An internal combustion engine is what most cars use to run. It works by burning fuel inside the engine to create power that moves the car.
An internal combustion engine is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel inside the engine itself. This is the traditional engine type found in most gasoline and diesel vehicles.
fuel cell vehicle
"So whether it's an internal combustion engine, a hybrid plug-in hybrid, an EV, we even have a fuel cell vehicle in Canada."
A fuel cell vehicle is a type of car that uses hydrogen to create electricity. It only produces water as waste, making it very clean for the environment.
A fuel cell vehicle uses hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, which powers the vehicle. The only byproduct of this process is water, making fuel cell vehicles very environmentally friendly.
Hyundai Genesis
"...io, obviously, we'll evolve that way as well. So Genesis and Hyundai kind of operate on two different part..."
The Hyundai Genesis is a fancy car made by Hyundai that focuses on comfort and high-quality features. It's important because it shows that Hyundai can make luxury cars that compete with more expensive brands. People might discuss it to highlight how Hyundai is changing and improving its image.
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury sedan that was first introduced in 2008, representing Hyundai's foray into the premium automotive market. It is significant for its blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology, often competing with established luxury brands. The Genesis has since evolved into a standalone brand, emphasizing Hyundai's commitment to luxury and innovation.
blurring the lines
"...they really are kind of blurring the lines between what a Hyundai is and what a Genesis could be. So how do you manage that..."
'Blurring the lines' means that two things that are usually different are starting to look or act more alike. In this case, Hyundai and Genesis cars are becoming more similar in features and design.
'Blurring the lines' refers to the merging of characteristics or features between two distinct categories, in this case, the offerings of Hyundai and Genesis. This concept highlights how brands can evolve and share attributes while maintaining their unique identities.
Hyundai Tucson
"...we just shifted our production of Tucson from Alabama to Mexico and brought it to Canada. So I'm a little bit lucky on this one..."
The Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV that many people like for its useful features and comfort. It's made in different countries, which can change based on costs and trade rules.
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its practicality and features. It is produced in various locations, including the U.S., Mexico, and Korea, depending on production needs and tariffs.
tariffs
"...the tariffs were applied to them. So what we did is we just shifted our production..."
Tariffs are extra costs added to products coming from other countries. They can make things more expensive and affect where companies decide to make their products.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can affect pricing and production decisions for manufacturers. They are often used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
USMCA
"...we hope for more clarity on USMCA, hopefully a good resolution because the more flexibility that we have..."
USMCA stands for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is a deal between these three countries to help make trading easier and fairer.
The USMCA, or United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, is a trade agreement that replaced NAFTA. It aims to facilitate trade between the three countries while addressing modern trade issues.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
"...the reopening or the potential revision of the USMCA. So we'll see if it's favorable and makes sense. We'll look at bringing the Santa Cruz back. It's only built in the US..."
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small truck that offers a mix of features from both cars and traditional trucks. It's great for people who want something practical but also stylish.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup truck that combines the utility of a truck with the comfort of an SUV. It was designed to cater to a younger audience looking for versatility in their vehicle.
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