TOKYO — Hyundai Motor Co. is a worldwide success from Bangalore to Baltimore, however there’s one market proper subsequent door the place the corporate’s badge has lengthy been lacking: Japan.

The South Korean automaker pulled out of the market in 2009, after a dismal run in Japan. However now, Hyundai will take a second crack on the nation with a high-tech twist.

Hyundai mentioned on Tuesday it’s reentering Japan’s automotive market this spring with a deal with zero-emissions full-electric and hydrogen gasoline cell autos offered by way of an all-online gross sales community.

The automaker is betting that clear, inexperienced digital gadgetry will enchantment to youthful Japanese patrons who’re additionally extra open to attempting South Korean imports, because of the native success of electronics manufacturers comparable to Samsung and an affinity for hip Korean tradition traits in some corners.

To leverage the brand new spirit, Hyundai is even rebranding its native subsidiary Hyundai Mobility Co., dumping the oh-so-Twentieth century “Motor” within the title. On the forefront can be two of Hyundai’s most superior choices, the brand new Ioniq 5 electrical crossover and the Nexo hydrogen gasoline cell automobile.

Hyundai will begin taking orders in Could, with deliveries beginning in July.

Hyundai give up the Japanese market in December 2009 after solely eight years within the nation, nonetheless recognized for its choosy customers and loyalty to homegrown manufacturers.

Hyundai offered simply greater than 15,000 passenger autos in Japan over its first eight years. On the time, Volkswagen Group, the largest promoting import, was promoting round 60,000 yearly.

Hyundai’s retreat from Japan got here solely a 12 months after archrival Toyota mentioned it might launch its flagship Toyota model within the Korean market.

Japanese manufacturers comparable to Toyota initially gained traction in South Korea, however lately they’ve struggled towards each European imports and native son champions Hyundai and Kia. Nissan, for instance, mentioned in 2020 it might withdraw from South Korea.