Hyundai has just rolled its 100 millionth vehicle off the production line, a feat that took 57 years.
This makes Hyundai one of the fastest-growing players in the global automotive scene. To mark this significant milestone, the company celebrated with a ceremony at its iconic Ulsan Plant in Korea, where it all began.
In a fitting tribute, Hyundai delivered its “100 million and first” vehicle (an IONIQ 5) to a lucky customer.
Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, mentioned: “Reaching global cumulative production of 100 million vehicles is a meaningful milestone that was possible thanks to our customers around the world who have chosen and supported Hyundai Motor since the very beginning.”
The Ulsan Plant, which began operations in 1968, is a cornerstone of the Korean automobile industry. It’s where Hyundai’s journey started, and where Korea’s first mass-produced independent model, the Pony, was born in 1975. Today, Ulsan is evolving as a hub for Hyundai’s electrification efforts, with a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) facility in the works.
Chang’s sentiments were echoed by Dong Seock Lee, President and Head of Domestic Productions and Chief Safety Officer at Hyundai, who stated, “Each and every employee at Hyundai Motor has contributed to the accumulation of 100 million units through their hard work and dedication.”
Hyundai’s achievements over the past few decades are impressive, but it’s their focus on the future that truly sets them apart. The introduction of the Genesis brand, the N lineup, and the rise of the IONIQ series have cemented Hyundai’s place as a leader in the global car market.
With production facilities now in Turkey, India, the U.S., and the Czech Republic, Hyundai has grown into a truly global powerhouse. In fact, Hyundai hit 50 million units back in 2013, and has only accelerated since then.
Last year, Hyundai launched the Hyundai Motor Group Global Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), which they describe as a “smart urban mobility hub.” It serves as a laboratory for testing the future of car production, integrating cutting-edge tech like artificial intelligence (AI), robots, and smart factories.
These innovations are slated to be introduced to Hyundai’s future production facilities, including Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), further boosting efficiency and setting new standards in automotive manufacturing.
As Jaehoon Chang put it, “Taking on bold challenges and being in constant pursuit of innovation has enabled us to achieve rapid growth and will empower us to take ‘one step further’ toward another 100 million units as a mobility game changer.”
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