Hyundai Motor Company recently marked the achievement of reaching a total of 100-million vehicles produced globally, a feat accomplished in just 57 years since the company was founded. This milestone positions Hyundai among the fastest-growing automotive manufacturers in the world.
When Billy Rautenbach first introduced the Hyundai to the South African market, the Korean brand with the name nobody really knew how to pronounce was met with a measure of scepticism that was justified in the minds of some when his operation hit a speed bump a few years later.
Then taken into what is now the Motus fold, the brand flourished and grew significantly to become an accepted household word.
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I recall a visit in those early days to Seoul in Korea where the then chairman of Hyundai told the group of raised eyebrow South African and Australian journalists the company intended to be the fifth largest automaker within five years – and then achieved it in three!
To commemorate the occasion, a special ceremony took place at the Ulsan Plant in South Korea, where Hyundai delivered its 100-millionth and first vehicle — an IONIQ 5 — directly to a customer. The handover occurred at the plant's shipping centre, following the vehicle's final inspection, and was accompanied by a festive display celebrating the theme ‘100-million and 1’.
Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said: “This significant milestone in our global cumulative production was only possible due to the support of our customers around the world who have trusted Hyundai Motor since our inception. Our commitment to bold challenges and continuous innovation has propelled our rapid growth and will enable us to strive for another 100-million units as a leader in mobility.”
The Ulsan Plant, operational since 1968, is regarded as the birthplace of the South Korean automobile industry, famously producing the country’s first mass-produced model, the Pony, in 1975. Today, it serves as a pivotal centre for the company’s electrification efforts, with plans for a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) facility currently underway.
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Dong Seock Lee, President and Head of Domestic Productions at Hyundai, acknowledged the contributions of the workforce, remarking, “Every employee at Hyundai Motor has played a vital role in achieving this landmark figure through their dedication and hard work. This momentous occasion is merely the first step into a new era of electrification that Hyundai aims to lead.”
Hyundai’s journey to this milestone follows a period of significant growth, bolstered by the introduction of its premium brand Genesis and the high-performance N line, as well as the launch of electric vehicles such as the IONIQ 5, which is built on the dedicated electric global modular platform (E-GMP). The company's global presence has expanded with manufacturing facilities in Turkey, India, America, and the Czech Republic, contributing to a record-breaking production figure of more than 50-million vehicles by 2013.
Last year, Hyundai furthered its innovation strategy by opening the Hyundai Motor Group Global Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), which aims to develop advanced manufacturing technologies and smart urban mobility solutions. Innovations including artificial intelligence and robotics will be implemented across future production sites, such as the upcoming Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), enhancing overall production efficiency.
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