SEOUL, April 30 (Reuters) - Hyundai Motor Group plans to

launch its first hybrid cars in India as early as 2026,

according to three sources, as the South Korean auto group looks

beyond electric vehicles to boost its presence in a key auto

market.

The group, which houses Hyundai Motor ( HYMTF ) and Kia

Corp ( KIMTF ), is evaluating a hybrid sport-utility vehicle

similar in size to its top-selling, mid-sized Creta SUV in

India, said two of the sources who have direct knowledge of the

plans.