hyundai

A brief history about hyundai: Hyundai Motor Company is a self-made South Korean automaker founded in the 1960s. Today, it stands as part of the Hyundai Motor Group, alongside Kia, and has experienced steady growth over the past decades, becoming a key global player in both European and American markets. The company’s manufacturing capabilities reflect its scale, with the Ulsan facility capable of producing over 1.6 million vehicles per year, ranking among the largest automotive plants in the world.

The company was founded by Chung Ju Yung, who was born into a humble farming family and rose to become one of South Korea’s most influential industrialists. After the Korean War, when national rebuilding efforts were underway, Chung identified a gap in the local automotive market. In a time when government policy favored car imports over domestic production, he saw an opportunity to create Korea’s first automobile brand. Using profits from his successful construction business established in 1947, he founded Hyundai Motor Company in 1967 with a vision of industrial self-reliance and national progress.

In 1968, Hyundai signed a technology partnership with Ford Motor Company, marking its official entry into car manufacturing. The company’s first model, the Cortina, was produced under this collaboration. However, Hyundai sought independence and innovation, which led to the development of the Pony in 1975, its first fully Korean-designed and assembled car. Although it used Mitsubishi technology, the Pony symbolized national pride and was the first South Korean vehicle to be exported internationally, reaching markets such as Ecuador, Chile, and the United Kingdom.

Hyundai entered the U.S. market in 1986 with the release of the Hyundai Excel, a compact and affordable model that became an immediate success. It sold over 100,000 units within its first seven months, praised for its low price and practicality. This strong debut positioned Hyundai as an appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers. However, as the brand’s lineup expanded, issues with reliability and quality began to affect its reputation, leading to challenges in maintaining consumer trust.

By the 1990s, Hyundai recognized the urgent need to reinvent itself. The company invested heavily in research, design, and manufacturing technologies to improve build quality and performance. The launch of the Sonata in 1988, Hyundai’s first model fully developed with its own technology, marked a major milestone. Over the following decade, the brand gradually regained credibility, culminating in the introduction of a groundbreaking 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty in the United States. This bold move restored consumer confidence and set a new industry benchmark for reliability guarantees.

In the 2000s, Hyundai evolved into a symbol of innovation and value. The brand emphasized design excellence, introducing fluid and aerodynamic aesthetics under its “Fluidic Sculpture” design philosophy. Its investments in safety and fuel efficiency helped establish it as a serious global competitor. The introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles, along with continued advancements in technology, positioned Hyundai at the forefront of sustainable mobility.

Today, Hyundai operates in 193 countries, with more than 5,000 dealerships and showrooms worldwide. It ranks among the world’s top ten automakers, recognized not only for its cars but also for its contributions to technology, robotics, and clean energy. The company’s logo—a stylized “H”—symbolizes two people shaking hands, representing the bond between the brand and its customers.

Hyundai’s modern strategy continues to focus on electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, autonomous driving, and connected-car technologies. With models like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and Kona Electric, the company is redefining its identity as a leader in sustainable innovation while remaining deeply connected to its founding principles of progress, resilience, and accessibility.

Current Models

Browse through this hyundai’s current models below and explore their specifications