As of June 7, industry sources report that the waiting period for the Kasper Electric can reach up to 28 months. All trims, except for the top-tier EV Lounge (16 months), require more than 22 months for delivery.
Hyundai has been informing customers about the delays for both the gasoline model and the 2026 Kasper EV on its official website. This notification has been ongoing since June of last year.
The delays in new car launches are attributed to the expansion of exports to Europe. Gwangju Global Motors (GGM), responsible for production, has prioritized a significant portion of its output for export, resulting in domestic supply struggling to meet demand.
The Kasper Electric, sold under the name 'Inster' in the European market, has been steadily popular since its export began in 2024.
According to Hyundai's European division, the cumulative sales of Inster reached 33,917 units last year, making it the second best-selling electric vehicle in the A-segment (microcar category).
In April, 2,974 units were sold in Europe, ranking it as the third most sold model among Hyundai's electrified vehicles, following the Tucson and Kona.
Industry experts attribute Inster's success to the unique automotive consumption culture in Europe. While the domestic market has shifted towards mid-sized SUVs, European consumers still prefer compact cars. The growing demand for entry-level electric vehicles, driven by rising EV prices, is also seen as a factor in Inster's popularity.
A Hyundai representative noted, "While the Kasper has a strong image as a compact car in Korea, it is perceived as a practical urban electric vehicle in Europe. However, production volumes are fixed, making it difficult to increase output in the short term, so the delivery delays are expected to continue for the foreseeable future."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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