(Writes through with details, quotes, background)

More than 100 models will launch or be refreshed globally by 2030
North America will receive more than half of planned vehicle updates
Shares fell 2.8% despite a broader 1.3% gain in the KOSPI

By Heekyong Yang and Heejin Kim

SEOUL, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) on Wednesday unveiled plans to add 1.27 million units of production capacity by 2030 and expand its U.S. hybrid lineups, as the South Korean automaker seeks to lift its operating profit margin above 9% within four years.

Hyundai said it would launch or refresh over 100 vehicles globally by 2030, over half of which will be in North America, as it seeks to regain ground against rivals and enter new segments.

New models would include the Santa Fe extended-range electric vehicle (EREV), its first EREV that it will build at its Alabama plant, as well as a luxury hybrid model.

It is a “product offensive across every region,” Hyundai said, adding that it was also targeting ‘white spaces’ where its brand is underrepresented today.

“These segments account for roughly 29% of all automotive sales, highlighting significant opportunities for growth.”

Hyundai said it would raise its 2030 consolidated operating margin target from the 8%-9% range previously forecast to above 9%, while keeping its 2026 margin guidance at 6.3%-7.3%.

Hyundai also reaffirmed a target of 5.55 million global vehicle sales by 2030, equivalent to a 6% market share, and said electrified vehicles would account for 60% of sales by then, compared with 23% in 2025.

“Our fundamentals have never been stronger,” CEO Jose Munoz said, pointing to Hyundai Motor Group’s global position.

Hyundai Motor, together with affiliate Kia Corp (000270.KS) , is the world’s third-biggest automaker by sales.

However, Hyundai’s U.S. expansion also faces trade policy risk from the ongoing review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which governs duty-free access for vehicles and parts moving across North America.

U.S. officials have declined to extend the agreement automatically, raising the prospect of annual reviews and less certainty for capital intensive investment plans that depend on cross-border supply chains.

The company also said it would cancel treasury shares worth about 789 billion won ($570 million), while maintaining a shareholder payout ratio of at least 35%.

Shares of Hyundai Motor increased losses to fall 2.8% after the announcements, versus the benchmark KOSPI’s (.KS11) 1.3% rise as of 0534 GMT.

($1 = 1,384.7200 won)