+20%

9,004 $m

Automotive

With a growing track record of building vehicles with style, design, and performance in mind, the Hyundai brand continues to strengthen its image and collect loyal fans. With a curvy design language that has driven success over the past few years, the Hyundai brand has amassed a healthy lineup of vehicles. Not only has Hyundai been working hard at retaining customers, it has also fared well with acquisitions; with the Azera, for example, about two-thirds of buyers are new to the brand. Its European strategy is also paying off, with the brand doubling its share in five years. While market conditions may have helped Hyundai gain market share from more established volume players, its leadership team understands that to reach its target of five percent European growth, the Hyundai brand will have to work much harder. To help connect with a global consumer, Hyundai is investing nearly USD $400 million in the World Rally Championships in addition to the brand’s strong visibility in UEFA and FIFA football sponsorships. The industry is also taking notice of models such as the aspirational luxury Genesis concept car, unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show, and the sporty 2012 Veloster, which retains 82 percent of its MSRP retail value. Ongoing investment and continuous refinements to its lineups have put Hyundai in a solid position to achieve significant market share in the next few years.

Hyundai Motor Company

Native name	현대자동차 주식회사
Type	Public
Traded as	KRX: 005380 LSE: HYUD
Industry	Automotive
Founded	December 29, 1967
Founder(s)	Chung Ju-yung
Headquarters	Seoul, South Korea
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Chung Mong-koo (Chairman &CEO)
Products	Automobiles, commercial vehicles, engines
Production output	2,943,529 units (2011)
Revenue	US$ 84 billion (2012)[1]
Net income	US$ 9 billion (2012)[1]
Total assets	US$ 109 billion (2012)[2]
Total equity	US$ 43 billion (2012)[2]
Employees	57,105 (2011)
Subsidiaries	List[show]
Website	worldwide.hyundai.com

Hyundai Motor Company
Hangul	현대자동차 주식회사
Hanja	現代自動車株式會社
Revised Romanization	Hyeondae Jadongcha Jushikhwesa
McCune–Reischauer	Hyŏndae Chatongch’a Chusikhoesa

This article contains Korean text.Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Hanguland hanja.

The Hyundai Motor Company (Hangul: 현대자동차 주식회사; Hanja: 現代自動車株式會社) (Hangul: 현대; Hanja: 現代; MR: Hyŏndae,IPA: [hjə́ːndɛ],^[3] modernity; KRX: 005380) is a South Korean multinational automaker headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company was founded in 1967 and, along with its 32.8% owned subsidiary, Kia Motors, together comprise the Hyundai Motor Group, which is the world’s fifth largest automaker based on annual vehicle sales in 2012.^{[4][5][needs update]} In 2008, Hyundai Motor (without Kia) was ranked as the eighth largest automaker.^[6]As of 2010, the Company sold over 3.6 million vehicles worldwide.^{[citation needed]}

Hyundai operates the world’s largest integrated automobile manufacturing facility^[7] in Ulsan, South Korea, which has an annual production capacity of 1.6 million units. The company employs about 75,000 people worldwide. Hyundai vehicles are sold in 193 countries through some 6,000 dealerships and showrooms.

History[edit]

Chung Ju-Yung founded the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company in 1947. Hyundai Motor Company was later established in 1967. The company’s first model, the Cortina, was released in cooperation with Ford Motor Company in 1968. When Hyundai wanted to develop their own car, they hired George Turnbull, the former Managing Director of Austin Morris at British Leyland. He in turn hired five other top British car engineers. They were Kenneth Barnett body design, engineers John Simpson and Edward Chapman, John Crosthwaite ex-BRM as chassis engineer and Peter Slater as chief development engineer.^{[8][9][10][11]} In 1975, the Pony, the first Korean car, was released, with styling by Giorgio Giugiaro of ItalDesign and powertrain technology provided by Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors. Exports began in the following year to Ecuador and soon thereafter to the Benelux countries.

In 1984, Hyundai exported the Pony to Canada, but not to the United States, because the Pony didn’t pass emissions standards there. Canadian sales greatly exceeded expectations, and it was at one point the top-selling car on the Canadian market. The Pony afforded a much higher degree of quality and refinement in the lowest price auto segment than the Eastern-bloc imports of the period then available. In 1985, the one millionth Hyundai car was built.^[12]

In 1986, Hyundai began to sell cars in the United States, and the Excel was nominated as “Best Product #10” by Fortune magazine, largely because of its affordability. The company began to produce models with its own technology in 1988, beginning with the midsizeSonata. In the spring of 1990, aggregate production of Hyundai automobiles reached the four million mark.^[12] In 1991, the company succeeded in developing its first proprietary gasoline engine, the four-cylinder Alpha, and also its own transmission, thus paving the way for technological independence.

In 1996, Hyundai Motor India Limited was established with a production plant in Irungattukottai near Chennai, India.^[13]

In 1998, Hyundai began to overhaul its image in an attempt to establish itself as a world-class brand. Chung Ju Yung transferred leadership of Hyundai Motor to his son, Chung Mong Koo, in 1999.^[14] Hyundai’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, invested heavily in the quality, design, manufacturing, and long-term research of its vehicles. It added a 10-year or 100,000-mile (160,000 km) warranty to cars sold in the United States and launched an aggressive marketing campaign.

In 2004, Hyundai was ranked second in “initial quality” in a survey/study by J.D. Power and Associates. Hyundai is now one of the top 100 most valuable brands worldwide. Since 2002, Hyundai has also been one of the worldwide official sponsors of the FIFA World Cup.

In 2006, the South Korean government initiated an investigation of Chung Mong Koo‘s practices as head of Hyundai, suspecting him of corruption. On 28 April 2006, Chung was arrested, and charged for embezzlement of 100 billion South Korean won (US$106 million).^[15] As a result, Hyundai Vice Chairman and CEO, Kim Dong-jin, replaced him as head of the company. On 30 September 2011, Yang Seung Suk announced his retirement as CEO of Hyundai Motor Co. In the interim replacement period, Chung Mong-koo and Kim Eok-jo will divide the duties of the CEO position.^[16]

Research and development[edit]

Hyundai has 6 centres worldwide, located in Korea (three offices), Germany, Japan and India. Additionally, there is an American design centre in California that develops designs for US markets.^[17]

Business[edit]

In 1998, after a shake-up in the Korean auto industry caused by overambitious expansion and the Asian financial crisis, Hyundai acquired rival Kia Motors. In 2000, the company established a strategic alliance with DaimlerChrysler and severed its partnership with the Hyundai Group. In 2001, the Daimler-Hyundai Truck Corporation was formed. In 2004, however, DaimlerChrysler divested its interest in the company by selling its 10.5% stake for $900 million.

Hyundai has invested in manufacturing plants in the North America, India, the Czech Republic, Pakistan, China and Turkey as well as research and development centres in Europe, Asia, North America and the Pacific Rim. In 2004, Hyundai Motor Company had $57.2 billion in sales in South Korea making it the country’s second largest corporation, or chaebol. Worldwide sales in 2005 reached 2,533,695 units, an 11 percent increase over the previous year. In 2011, Hyundai sold 4.05 million cars worldwide and the Hyundai Motor Groupwas the world’s fourth largest automaker behind GM, Volkswagen and Toyota – a distinction it earned when it surpassed Ford Auto Group in 2009.^[18][19] Hyundai vehicles are sold in 193 countries through some 5,000 dealerships.

The Hyundai brand power continues to rise as it was ranked 65th in the 2007 Best Global Brands by Interbrand and BusinessWeek survey, with brand value estimated at $5.0 billion. Public perception of the Hyundai brand has been transformed as a result of dramatic improvements in the quality of Hyundai vehicles. As of 2011, it is the world’s fastest growing car brand for two years running.^{[20][unreliable source?]}

Design emphasis[edit]

In 2006, Hyundai hired Thomas Bürkle as head of the company’s design center in Russelsheim, Germany. Burkle had previously worked for BMW, having designed the 3 Series sedan and wagon, and the 6 Series.^[21][22] Hyundai’s current design philosophy is known as Fluidic Sculpture, which is heavily inspired by nature.^[23]

Regional operations[edit]

North America[edit]

United States[edit]

Hyundai Motor America began selling cars in the United States on 20 February 1986, with a single model, the Hyundai Excel. The Excelwas offered in a variety of trims and body styles. That year, Hyundai set a record of selling the most automobiles in its first year of business in the United States compared to any other car brand; total sales in 1986 were 168,882.

Initially well received, the Excel’s faults soon became apparent; cost-cutting measures caused reliability to suffer. With an increasingly poor reputation for quality, Hyundai sales plummeted, and many dealerships either earned their profits on repairs or abandoned the product. At one point, Hyundai became the butt of many jokes (i.e. Hyundai stands for “Hope you understand nothing’s driveable and inexpensive”) and even made David Letterman‘s Top Ten Hilarious Mischief Night Pranks To Play In Space: No.8 – Paste a “Hyundai” logo on the main control panel.^[25]

In response, Hyundai began investing heavily in the quality, design, manufacturing, and long-term research of its vehicles. It added a 10-year or 100,000-mile (160,000 km) powertrain warranty (known as the Hyundai Advantage) to its vehicles sold in the United States. By 2004, sales had dramatically increased, and the reputation of Hyundai cars improved. In 2004, Hyundai tied with Honda for initial brand quality in a survey/study from J.D. Power and Associates, for having 102 problems per 1000 vehicles. This made Hyundai second in the industry, only behind Toyota, for initial vehicle quality. The company continued this tradition by placing third overall in J.D. Power‘s 2006 Initial Quality Survey, behind only Porsche and Lexus.^[26] Hyundai is ranked number 4 in World’s Most Admired Companies under the motor vehicles section of CNN, after BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke), Volkswagen and Daimler in 2011.

Hyundai continues to invest heavily in its American operations as its cars grow in popularity. In 1990, Hyundai established the Hyundai Design Center in Fountain Valley, California. The center moved to a new $30 million facility in Irvine, California in 2003, and was renamed the Hyundai Kia Motors Design and Technical Center. Besides the design studio, the facility also housed Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI, established in 1986), a subsidiary responsible for all engineering activities in the U.S. for Hyundai. Hyundai America Technical Center moved to its new 200,000-square-foot (19,000 m²), $117 million headquarters in Superior Township, Michigan (near Ann Arbor) in 2005. Later that same year, HATCI announced that it would be expanding its technical operations in Michigan and hiring 600 additional engineers and other technical employees over a period of five years. The center also has employees in California and Alabama.

Hyundai incorporated a new manufacturing facility, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, in April 2002. The new plant in Montgomery, Alabama was completed during 2004, at a cost of $1.7 billion. Production started in May 2005. It employed more than 3000 workers in 2012.^[27] Currently, the plant assembles the Hyundai Elantra, the Hyundai Sonata, and the Hyundai Theta engine. It is Hyundai’s second attempt at producing cars in North America since Hyundai Auto Canada Inc.’s plant in Quebec closed in 1993.

Hyundai America Technical Center completed construction of its Hyundai/Kia proving ground in California City, California in 2004. The 4,300-acre (17 km²) facility is located in the Mojave Desert and features a 6.4-mile (10.3 km) oval track,^[7] a Vehicle Dynamics Area, a vehicle-handling course inside the oval track, a paved hill road, and several special surface roads. A 30,000-square-foot (2,800 m²) complex featuring offices and indoor testing areas is located on the premises as well. The facility was built at a cost of $50 million. An aerial view can be found here.^[28]

In 2003, Consumer Reports, based on complaints about 2002 model new cars that in general are less than one year usage, ranked Hyundai’s reliability tied with Honda‘s; however, J.D. Power and Associates put Hyundai’s 2002 vehicles below the industry average according to its annual Initial Quality Survey, which looks at problems in the first 90 days of ownership.^[29]

In 2006, J.D. Power and Associates‘ quality ranking, overall the Hyundai brand ranked 3rd, just behind Porsche and Lexus, and beating longtime rival Toyota.^[30] But Hyundai’s ranking fell to twelfth in 2007.^[31] However, in 2009, Hyundai was the Highest Ranked Non-Premium Nameplate in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study.^[32]

In the 2007 Strategic Vision Total Quality Awards, Hyundai Motor leads the most vehicle segments in Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index, measuring the ownership experience. They attempt to measure more than just the number of problems per vehicle. Hyundai tops in Strategic Vision Total Quality Awards. For the first time ever, Hyundai has risen to share the position of having the most models leading a segment. three models with the top Total Quality Index (TQI) score in their segments, including the Hyundai Azera, Entourage, Santa Fe.^[33][34]

In 2007 at the New York International Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled its V8 rear-drive luxury sedan called the Concept Genesis to be slotted above the Azera in the Hyundai line-up. This concept made its American debut in mid-2008. The Genesis reintroduced rear-wheel drive to the Hyundai range following a long period of only producing front-wheel drive cars.^[35]

In 2007 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled its second rear-drive concept car, the Concept Genesis Coupe, will be Hyundai’s first sports car due to make its debut in early 2009.^[36]

In 2008, Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Elantra were awarded 2008 Consumer Reports “top picks”. The magazine’s annual ratings, based on road tests and predicted safety and reliability are considered highly influential among consumers.^[37] The Hyundai Elantra was Consumer Reports’ top-ranked 2008 vehicle among 19 other compacts and small family cars, beating out the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Prius.^[38]

In 2008, at the North American International Auto Show, the production version of the luxury & performance-oriented Hyundai Genesis sedan made its debut, dealerships will have the Genesis as soon as summer 2008. In 2008, at the New York International Auto Show, Hyundai debuted its production version of the performance-oriented rear-drive Hyundai Genesis Coupe, slated to hit dealerships in early 2009.

On 6 January, Hyundai reported sales of December 2008 fell to 24,037, from 46,487 in previous year and sales for the year dropped 14%, a day after the company launched ‘Hyundai Assurance’ in order to spark sales amid tough economic conditions.^[39]

In 2009, Hyundai announced the five-door hatchback variant of the Elantra compact sedan will carry the name Elantra Touring when it goes on sale in the spring as a 2009 model.^[40]

In 2009, the Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan was named 2009 North American Car of the Year, the first for Hyundai.^[41] The Genesis has received a number of well-recognized automobile awards worldwide. It also won the 2009 Canadian Car of the Year after winning its category of Best New Luxury Car under $50,000.^[42] The Hyundai’s V8 Tau engine in the Genesis, which develops 375 hp (280 kW) on premium fuel and 368 hp (274 kW) on regular fuel, received 2009 Ward’s 10 Best Engines award.^[43]

In 2009, 4 models from Hyundai and two from Kia, earned the Top Safety Award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).^[44]

In 2009, Hyundai/Kia vehicles were named as “least expensive vehicles to insure“. Hyundai/Kia vehicles were the least expensive toinsure and occupied the ‘top five’ least expensive slots, said Insure.com.^[45]

In 2009, according to a preliminary report from the Environmental Protection Agency published in November 2009, which is based on 2009 pre-model year production projections provided by automakers,^[46] Hyundai, at an average of 23.4 mpg_-US (10.1 L/100 km; 28.1 mpg_-imp), is the second most fuel-efficient automaker in America, after Honda’s combined U.S. fleet of Honda and Acura models at an average of 23.6 mpg_-US (9.97 L/100 km; 28.3 mpg_-imp).^[47]

In 2010, a Consumer Reports reliability survey ranked Hyundai (including Kia) as the fourth-best automaker. The ratings reflect the performance, comfort, utility and reliability of more than 280 vehicles that the magazine recently tested.^[48]

In 2010, the Hyundai Equus made its North American debut at the North American International Auto Show

In January 2012, the Hyundai Elantra was named the North American Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show, selling more than 200,000 cars since the model’s redesigned debut.^[49]

Canada[edit]

In 1989, Hyundai Auto Canada Inc. opened a stamping and assembly plant in Bromont, Quebec, employing 800. The plant cost $387.7 million, with Quebec and Canadian federal government subsidies of $131 million.^[50] The plant was designed to manufacture approximately 2000 Hyundai Sonatas per week.^[50] Subsequently, Chrysler and Hyundai considered a joint venture that would have Chrysler rebranding the Sonata manufactured at Bromont – only to later announce the deal had failed.^[51] The Bromont plant was operational for four years before it closed – with Hyundai’s sales unable to support the plant. With boost in sales in 2009, Hyundai Auto Canada Inc. is currently planning to build a new plant in Canada and resume production in Canada.^[52] Hyundai subsequently sold the plant,^[52] which was eventually purchased by Olymbec inc, a Quebec real estate developer. Hyundai is the No.1 import car brand in Canada without a local plant. Sales over 100,000 cars-per-year mark in 2012.

South America[edit]

Brazil[edit]

Hyundai has been a major presence in the Brazilian luxury car market for some time. In October 2012, however, Hyundai launched a new small bi-fuel car, the HB-20, designed specifically for the Brazilian mass-market. This car, the first product of the new ‘Projeto HB’ (Hyundai Brazil), is built in a new Hyundai factory in Brazil, in Piracicaba, SP. The HB-20 is of very similar size to the Hyundai i20, launched in other parts of the world in 2008.

Panama & Dominican Republic[edit]

Hyundai is No.1 sales car brand in Panama & Dominican Republic.

Asia[edit]

China[edit]

Hyundai models sell well in China.^{[citation needed]} Hyundai is currently working with its Chinese partner Beijing Automobile Industry Holding Co. to develop an electric car for sale only in China.^[53][54] In September 2011, it was announced that Korean celebrity Lee Min Ho, who is popular in China, will promote Hyundai’s new ‘Veloster’ in China.^[55]

Beijing Hyundai[edit]

A joint venture with Beijing Automotive Group,^[56] Beijing Hyundai Motor manufactures many Hyundai vehicles,^{[citation needed]} as well as a few models which are exclusive to the Chinese market.^[57] This company sold 700,000 passenger cars in 2010. 855,995 car sales in 2012.^[58][59] Beijing Hyundai has 3 assembly plants, each 300,000 unit annual capacity in NE Beijing outskirts.

Hawtai partnership[edit]

Between 2002^[60]-2010,^[61] Hawtai Motor made Chinese-market versions of the Hyundai Matrix,^[62] the Hyundai Santa Fe^[60][63] and the Hyundai Terracan.^[60][63] The Santa Fe was the fifth most-purchased SUV in China in 2010,^[64] and some of Hawtai’s versions may greatly differ from those sold in other markets.^[65]

Commercial vehicles[edit]

In October 2010, Hyundai signed agreement with Sichuan Nanjun Automobile on setting up a commercial vehicle joint venture—Sichuan Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.^[54]

India[edit]

Hyundai Motor India Limited is currently the second largest auto exporter from India.^[66] It is making India the global manufacturing base for small cars.

Hyundai sells several models in India, the most popular being the Santro Xing, i10, Hyundai EON and the i20. In 3 September 2013, Hyundai launched its much-awaited car, Grand i10 in petrol and diesel variants. Other models include the Getz, Accent, Elantra, second generation Verna, Santa Fe and the Sonata Transform. Hyundai has two manufacturing plants in India located at Sriperumbudur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Both plants have a combined annual capacity of 600,000 units. In the year 2007, Hyundai opened its R&D facility in Hyderabad, employing now nearly 450 engineers from different parts of the country. Hyundai Motor India Engineering (HMIE) gives technical & engineering support in vehicle development and CAD & CAE support to Hyundai’s main R&D centre in Namyang, Korea.

In 2010, Hyundai started its design activities at Hyderabad R&D Centre with Styling, Digital Design & Skin CAD Teams.

Japan[edit]

Despite having growing sales worldwide, Hyundai struggled in Japan, having sold only 15,000 passenger cars from 2001 to 2009.^[67] Following an announcement on November 2009, Hyundai pulled their passenger car division out of the Japanese market and focused on their commercial vehicle division instead.^[67] The company said that it is possible for them to come back to Japan fully if market conditions continue to improve.^[68]

Philippines[edit]

Hyundai is currently the third top selling automotive brand in the country. Hyundai’s Getz, i10, Accent, SantaFe, Sonata and Grand Starex were among the models which brought Hyundai to the third spot. Hyundai almost doubled its sales in 2010 with 11,086 in 2009 to 20,712. Hyundai becomes the fastest growing automotive brand in the country.^{[citation needed]}

Turkey[edit]

In September 1997, Hyundai opened a manufacturing plant in Turkey, located in İzmit, Kocaeli Province. The facility, named Hyundai Assan Otomotiv, was built as a 50-50% joint venture between the Hyundai Motor Company and the Kibar Holding of Turkey, the first stage investment raising to US$180 million.^[69] It currently has an annual production capacity of 125,000 units and it manufactured the Accent, the H-100, the Starex, the Matrix and since 2010, the i20.^[70] In May,2013,Hyundai Turkey Izmit plant capacity increased up to 200,000units with 470million Euro investment.New i10 and i20 plan to be produced.^[71]

Europe[edit]

Germany[edit]

Hyundai has been operating an R&D centre in Frankfurt, Germany since 1994,^[72] that has been responsible for monitoring technology developments in Europe and designing and engineering new cars for the European market.^[73] In September 2003, the company opened its new European headquarters in Rüsselsheim, after an investment worth 50 million euro.^[74] The site became the new location for the R&D centre and for the world rally team of the company.^[75]

Czech Republic[edit]

On November 2008, Hyundai opened its European plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic, following an investment of over 1 billion euros and over two years of construction.^[76][77] The plant, which mainly manufactures the i30, ix20, ix35 for the European market, has an annual capacity of 300,000 cars.^[78] The new Hyundai plant is 90 kilometres north of Kia Motors’ Žilina Plant in Slovakia.

Russia[edit]

In Russia, the production of the Hyundai Accent, Sonata, Elantra and Santa Fe models has been taking place at the TagAZ plant,^[79] located in in Taganrog, since 2001,^[80] in the form of complete knock-down kits assembly.^[81] Since 2006, the factory has also been assembling the Hyundai Porter,^[79] County, Aero Town and the HD 500 commercial vehciles.^[80]

In June 2008, Hyundai started the construction of a new manufacturing plant in Saint Petersburg with a planned yearly capacity of 100,000 cars,^[82] that will eventually be increased to 200,000 units.^[83] It started mass production in January 2011,^[83] with two models: the Hyundai Solaris and the Kia Rio.^[84]

Africa[edit]

Egypt[edit]

Hyundai cars are manufactured in Egypt also, the local manufacturer of these vehicles is the Ghabbour Group, which is located in Cairo. They have a big model range and offers sports models of some car models which are only offered on the Egypt market. Formerly, the company had assembled vehicles such as Verna.

Libya[edit]

Hyundai is no.1 car sales in Libya in 2012.

Oceania[edit]

Australia[edit]

Hyundai sales increases sharply ranking No. 4 position in Australia in 2012. No.2 sales maker without local plant.

New Zealand[edit]

A growing market for Hyundai’s cars, sales in New Zealand were up 27% in late 2011, compared to 2010 sales.^[85]

Electric vehicles[edit]

Hyundai Motor Company began developing FFVs in 1988. The test vehicle was 1991 MY Scoupe FFV.^[86] Since March, 1992, in Seoul, Korea, through at least November 1993, field trials of several FFVs had been performed over more than 30,000 miles.^{[citation needed]}

The first pure electric car developed by Hyundai was the Sonata Electric Vehicle in 1991. The car started as a Sonata sedan based model.^[87] Hyundai later produced electric vehicles utilizing the Excel, Grace, Accent, Atos and Kia Sportage platforms.

Hyundai planned to have six electric vehicles available for testing by the end of 1992. The company was using batteries from Ovonic Battery Company Inc. in Troy, MI.^[88] The Excel and the Sonata were the two different models on which the electric vehicles were based. The vehicles were scheduled to likely be tested in the United States and in Korea.^{[dated info]}

The new hybrid-electric FGV-1 was unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show in 1995. The car featured full-time electric drive technology.^[89] The 1995 Hyundai FGV-1 was the result of Hyundai’s first experiments with hybrid propulsion systems in 1994.

Hyundai produced its second generation hybrid-electric vehicle in 1999. The company is using the “parallel” type design, which utilizes either the ICE or the electric motor.^[89] The FGV-2 was the second vehicle to be produced. Others are the Elantra HEV and theHyundai Accent HEV, which were unveiled in 1999 and 2000, respectively.^{[citation needed]}

The new hybrid electric Sonata made its debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2008. The car featured lithium polymer battery technology.^[90] The 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid sales in the U.S. began near the end of February 2011.

Hyundai began producing hybrid electric vehicles in 2009. The company is using Hybrid Blue Drive, which includes lithium polymerbatteries, as opposed to lithium-ion.^[91][92][93] The Avante was the first vehicle to be produced. Other are the Santa Fe Hybrid, theElantra, Sonata Hybrid and the Hyundai i20, which will replace the Hyundai Getz.

Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid (or Avante in the local market) was launched in the South Korean domestic market in July 2009. The Elantra LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injected) is the world’s first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by an internal combustion engine built to run onliquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a fuel. The Elantra PLI is a mild hybrid and the first hybrid to adopt advanced lithium polymer (Li–Poly) batteries.^[94][95]

The Hyundai Blue Will plug-in hybrid has made its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit 2010.^{[96][97][dated info]}

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai unveiled the i-flow, a concept car using a variant of the BLUE-WILL hybrid system. The i-flow Concept uses a 1.7-liter twin-turbo diesel engine along with electric batteries to achieve fuel economy of 3 litres per 100 kilometres (94 mpg_-imp; 78 mpg_-US). Hyundai says a production car based on the i-flow’s design will be in production by 2011.^[98]

The Hyundai BlueOn is a subcompact 5-door hatchback electric car produced by Hyundai Motor Company. The prototype, an electric version of i10, was first unveiled at theFrankfurt Motor Show in 2009. The pre-production testing model was unveiled in Seoul in September 2010, when the first of 30 units were delivered to South Korean government agencies for field testing. The carmaker plans to build 2,500 units by the end of 2012. The BlueOn is equipped with a LG 16.4 kWh lithium polymer (Li–Poly) battery pack and charges in 6 hours with a 220 V power outlet and in 25 minutes to 80% with three-phase electric power (in a 380 V outlet). The maximum speed is 130 km/h (81 mph) and 0–100 km/h is achieved in 13.1 seconds. According to Hyundai Motor Company, the total investment to developed the BlueOn, its first production electric car, was around 40 billionwon (US$34.3 million).^[99][100]

This section requires expansion.(September 2010)

Environmental record[edit]

On 23 April 2008, Hyundai Motor announced the beginning of a five-year project to turn 50 km² of infertile land into grassland by 2012. Hyundai is doing so with the help of the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement (KFEM). The project, named Hyundai Green Zone, is located 660 km north of Beijing. The goal of the project is to end the recurring dust storms in Beijing, block desertification and protect the local ecosystem. Local weeds will be planted in the region that have the ability to endure sterile alkaline soil. This is the first environmental project of the company’s social contribution programme. Hyundai also made electric car concept i10 recently.^[101][102]

Hyundai Motor plans to aid Chevron Corporation in the construction of up to six hydrogen fueling stations that will be located in California, including locations at the University of California-Davis and the Hyundai America Technical Center in Chino. Hyundai is going to provide a collection of 32 Tucson fuel cell vehicles, which are powered by UTC Fuel Cell power plants.^[103]

Motorsport[edit]

Hyundai entered motorsport by competing in the F2 class of the World Rally Championship in 1998 and 1999. In September 1999, Hyundai unveiled the Accent WRC, a World Rally Car based on the Hyundai Accent. The Hyundai World Rally Team debuted the car at the 2000 Swedish Rally and achieved their first top-ten result at that year’s Rally Argentina, when Alister McRae and Kenneth Erikssonfinished seventh and eighth, respectively. Eriksson later drove the car to fifth place in New Zealand and fourth in Australia. In 2001, Hyundai debuted a new evolution of the Accent WRC, which was intended to improve reliability, but the performance of the car was still not good enough to challenge the four big teams (Ford, Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Subaru). However, at the season-ending Rally GB, the team achieved their best result with McRae finishing fourth and Eriksson sixth.

For the 2002 season, Hyundai hired the four-time world champion Juha Kankkunen, along with Freddy Loix and Armin Schwarz. Kankkunen’s fifth place in New Zealand was the team’s best result, but they managed to edge out Škoda and Mitsubishi by one point in the battle for fourth place in the manufacturers’ world championship. In September 2003, after a season hampered by budget constraints, Hyundai announced withdrawal from the WRC and planned to return in 2006, which did not happen.^[104]

In 2006, following the announcement that Korea was scheduled to earn a Formula One Grand Prix, Hyundai planned to enter the sport.^[105] The Korean Grand Prix was first held in 2010, but Hyundai have not entered the championship. Hyundai announced they would be revealing their future rally plans at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, on February 9.^[106] The current plans for rallying are focused around the newest Hyundai release, the Veloster.^[107] In September 2012 Hyundai announced that they were due to start the WRC with a rally model of its i20 to rival the likes of the Ford Fiesta, the Citroen DS3 and the Mini Countryman.

Hyundai i20 WRC

The Hyundai i20 WRC is a World Rally Car built by Hyundai for use in the 2014 World Rally Championship.^[108] It is based on theHyundai i20 subcompact car, and was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The launch of the i20 marks Hyundai’s return to the World Rally Championship after a ten-year absence.^[109] The car is scheduled to make its first competitive appearance at the 2014 Rallye Monte Carlo, but may compete during the 2013 season to aid development.^[110]

The car will be operated by Hyundai’s performance division, Hyundai Motorsport from a base in Frankfurt, Germany.^[111]

Model lineup[edit]

• Accent/Verna
• Atos/Atoz/Santro
• Coupé/Tiburon/Tuscani
• Dynasty
• Elantra/Avante/Lantra
• Eon
• Equus/Centennial (Originally a joint project of Hyundai and Mitsubishi)^[112]
• Excel
• Scoupe
• ix20
• Genesis
• Genesis Coupe
• Getz/Click/Getz Prime/TB
• Grandeur/Azera/XG (Originally a joint project of Hyundai and Mitsubishi)
• i10
• i20
• i30/i30cw/Elantra Touring
• Hyundai i40
• Lavita/Matrix
• Pony
• Santamo (Rebadged Mitsubishi Chariot; originally produced by Hyundai Precision Industry)
• Sonata/i45
• Stellar
• Veloster

Hyundai Eon Hyundai i10 Hyundai Accent Hyundai i20 Hyundai i30 Hyundai i40 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Hyundai Genesis Coupe Hyundai Genesis Hyundai Equus Limousine

SUVs and vans[edit]

• Entourage (Similar to the Kia Sedona)
• Galloper (Rebadged Mitsubishi Pajero; originally produced by Hyundai Precision Industry)
• Grace (1st generation was a rebadged Mitsubishi Delica)
• H-1/H-200/iMax/i800/Libero/Satellite/Starex
• HD1000 (Minibus/Porter)
• Porter (1st generation was a rebadged Mitsubishi Delica)
• Santa Fe Sport/Santa Fe LWB
• Starex/Grand Starex/i800/H-1
• Terracan
• Trajet
• Tucson/JM/ix35
• Veracruz/ix55

Hyundai Tucson Hyundai Santa Fe LWB Hyundai Veracruz Hyundai Terracan Hyundai Starex

Commercial vehicles[edit]

• HM 1620 urban bus
• HM 1630 suburban bus
• Hyundai 4.5 to 5-ton truck (Rebadged Mitsubishi Fuso Fighter)
• Hyundai 8 to 25-ton truck (Rebadged Mitsubishi Fuso Super Great)
• Aero (Rebadged Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Bus)
• Aero City
• Aero Town (e-Aero Town)
• Bison & 3ton Truck
• Chorus
• County (e-County)
• Hyundai DQ-7
• e-Mighty
• Hyundai FB
• HD160
• HD170
• Mega Truck
• New Power Truck
• Nova (made by Ghabbour Group in Egypt^[113])
• Mighty (Rebadged Mitsubishi Fuso Canter)
• Mighty II
• Hyundai RB
• Super Truck Medium
• Super Truck
• Trago
• Universe
• O303 Benz Bus

Concept car[edit]

• MY Scoupe Flexible Fuel Vehicle
• Sonata Electric Vehicle
• Excel Electric Vehicle
• HCD-I
• HCD-II
• HCD-III
• FGV-1
• FGV-2
• HCD-6
• LZ450
• Clix
• TB Concept Car
• HCD-7
• HCD-8
• HCD-9 Talus
• i-oniq^[114]

Marketing[edit]

Live Brilliant[edit]

The Live Brilliant global brand campaign started in 2012. That campaign will be an extension of the “Modern Premium” way of thinking that Hyundai adopted as part of their new brand direction. The goal was to seek to deliver the company’s aspiration to make each and every moment a customer spends with Hyundai a moment of happiness, filled with brilliant memories.^{[115][116][117]}

Corporate social responsibility[edit]

In 2008, Hyundai Motors established a committee to oversee its Corporate Social Responsibility programme.^[118] Among the programme’s initiatives have been the “Happy Move Global Youth Volunteers Program”.^[119]

The Hyundai Motors’ India Foundation (HMIF) has invested more than 20 million rupees in various corporate social responsibility programmes in India. In 2011, it started the “Go Green” village adoption project in Tamil Nadu. Its aim was to promote environmentally friendly products, increase the forest cover in Tamil Nadu, and improve living and hygiene conditions in the region’s villages. A number of schools have been adopted for improvement with the HMIF donating around 450 benches to government schools and drilling 10 bore wells.^[120]

Sports sponsorship[edit]

• Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
• FIFA World Cup
• UEFA Euro
• Korea Football Association
• A-League
• Olympique Lyonnais
• PFC CSKA Moscow
• Millonarios Fútbol Club
• Inside the NBA

Other sponsorships[edit]

• Academy Awards
• CNN Worldwide
• Hyundai Auto Club Philippines

Controversies[edit]

Inflated fuel economy numbers[edit]

After an investigation in 2012, the EPA found that 35% of all 2011-2013 Hyundai and Kia vehicles had inflated fuel economy numbers; by as much as six miles per gallon. Currently, Hyundai and Kia have started a reimbursement programme for the owners of the 2011-2013 affected vehicles.^{[121][122][123]}