Hyundai Motor Company has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating the production of 100 million vehicles worldwide. This achievement marks a feat, having been accomplished in just 57 years since the company’s founding, establishing Hyundai as one of the fastest-growing manufacturers in the automotive sector. A special ceremony was conducted at the Ulsan Plant in South Korea to honor this occasion.
To express gratitude towards its loyal customers, Hyundai presented the landmark vehicle—its 100 millionth and first unit, an IONIQ 5—directly to a customer during a memorable handover event.
The vehicle made its debut after emerging from the final inspection area of the Ulsan Plant’s shipping facility. The celebration also featured a presentation reflecting the theme ‘100 million and 1,’ highlighting the company’s dedication to building on its past successes.
“Reaching the remarkable total of 100 million vehicles produced globally is an outstanding achievement, made possible by the support of our customers worldwide who have been with Hyundai from the beginning,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.
He further remarked that “taking on ambitious challenges and consistently driving innovation have propelled our rapid growth and will empower us to strive for another 100 million units as pioneers in mobility.”
The Ulsan Plant, which began operations in 1968, holds substantial historical importance as the ‘birthplace of Korea’s automotive industry.’ It gained fame in 1975 for producing Korea’s first mass-market model, the Pony. Today, the plant is a vital center for electrification initiatives, with plans underway to construct a dedicated facility for electric vehicles (EVs).
Hyundai Motor’s continuous expansion is evident through its successful introduction of the Genesis premium brand and the high-performance N brand, alongside the launch of electric vehicles like the IONIQ 5, built on the dedicated electric global modular platform (E-GMP).
The company has broadened its global footprint with manufacturing facilities in Turkey, India, the U.S., and the Czech Republic, contributing to its impressive record of surpassing 50 million vehicles produced by 2013.
Last year, Hyundai advanced its innovative efforts by establishing the Hyundai Motor Group Global Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), aimed at redefining intelligent urban mobility concepts.
The center is focused on developing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and smart factory systems, which will be implemented in future production sites such as the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA), further enhancing efficiency. Hyundai’s commitment to continuous improvement and expansion reflects its dedication to achieving excellence in the automotive industry.