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

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

sources said, as the South Korean auto group looks beyond

electric vehicles to boost its presence in a key auto market.

The group, housing Hyundai Motor ( HYMTF ) and Kia Corp ( KIMTF )

, is evaluating a hybrid sport-utility vehicle of

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

said two of the sources who have direct knowledge of the plans.

Hyundai and Kia are both targeting the launch of hybrid SUVs

in India in 2026 or 2027, one of the sources said, adding that

their EV plans for India were also on track.

In a statement, Hyundai Motor Group told Reuters it was

"committed to a future of electrified mobility and will optimize

product strategies for each market".