Birth of the Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai is one of the world’s largest automakers today. But it didn’t start out as a car manufacturer.
It began in 1947 as an engineering and construction company helping rebuild South Korea after World War II.
Chung Ju-Yung, the founder, believed that while roads are the country’s veins, cars are the lifeblood.
So, he decided to use his engineering knowledge to transform Hyundai into an automaker.
This led to the launch of the Hyundai Motor Company in 1967. A year later, the first car, Cortina, was introduced in collaboration with Ford and it was an instant success.
In the same year, Hyundai opened its own production plant called the Ulsan plant.
This plant remains the world’s largest car production plant, with 1,200 acres and producing up to 1.6 million vehicles a year.
Table of content
With the success of the Cortina and the experience gained from working with Ford, Hyundai quickly started developing its own car.
This effort paid off when it released its second model, the Pony in 1975. The Pony became it’s flagship model for many years.
Hyundai begins exporting
In 1976, after local success, decisions were made to start exporting the Pony. This made it the first South Korean car exported abroad.
Exports began to Ecuador, then expanded to Europe and later North America.
In North America, it could only expand to Canada at first because the Pony did not meet U.S. emission standards. But with the release of the Pony Excel, they finally entered the U.S. market.
The Excel was a game-changer, selling 168,000 cars in its first year thanks to its affordability.
This success was possible partly because its Ulsan plant could manufacture cars at a fast pace.
Hyundai begins experimenting in 1990
By the 1990s, Hyundai was now a global player. But reliability issues with the Excel were hurting its reputation.
Cost-cutting and cheap parts made the cars affordable but lower quality. So sales dropped.
In response, the company invested heavily in research, design, and manufacturing quality. They also launched the now-famous 10-year/100,000-mile warranty under the “Hyundai Assurance Program.”
The program was a hit as it helped increase the brand’s public perception and bring in a new wave of customers.
At the same time, Hyundai also took bigger strides toward independence when it developed its first in-house four-cylinder engine, the Alpha.
At the same time, it began experimenting with hybrid and electric technologies, laying the groundwork for its modern eco-friendly cars.
Meanwhile, Kia, a much older South Korean automaker, went bankrupt but survived when Hyundai acquired a controlling stake.
Cars that shaped the brand
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai released the Accent to replace the Excel, although it went by other names and retained the Excel name in other international markets.
It managed to achieve that rare balance of price, style, and dependability and became one of Hyundai’s best-sellers worldwide.
For many families, the Accent was their first experience with Hyundai. And it proved that their cars could compete not only on affordability but also in design and quality.
Hyundai Atos
In 1997, Hyundai developed the Atos, its first hatchback. Compact, efficient, and affordable, the Atos became especially popular in emerging markets where families needed a dependable city car at a low price.
To keep costs down, they created a cheaper and easier to produce base designed specifically for it.
And it became popular in those emerging markets where families needed a dependable city car without the high price tag.
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai released the Elantra in 1990, as a “human-touch sedan” and a response to people wanting newer, more high-tech devices and cars.
But it really took off when Wayne Bell, a rally car driver used the Elantra to compete and win many multiple rally races. Including the Asia Pacific Rally Championship, the World Rally Championship, and many others.
This success showed the world that Hyundai could also make fast and modern cars for style-conscious buyers.
Today the Elantra is the 2nd best selling model.
Smaller but massively influencial Cars
i10 and Grand i10
The i10 was introduced in 2007 to replace the Atos. It improved on everything that the Atos compact city car offered. It was nimble, efficient and perfectly suited for urban driving.
The Grand i10 was later introduced and added more space and features while still staying true to the original i10 DNA.
Hyundai i20
In 2008, Hyundai introduced the i20, a slightly larger hatchback offering more comfort and versatility while staying affordable. Today, the i20 still sells in many countries.
Hyundai i30 – Sporty Performance
While Hyundai built its reputation on practicality and affordability, the i30 showed it could compete in performance.
With more space and sportier handling, the i30 added excitement to it’s small-car lineup.
Hyundai SUVs
Hyundai Tucson – International Best-Seller
Following continued success in the sedan and minicar segment, Hyundai decided to enter the SUV market early. Its first entry was the Santa Fe in 2000, which did incredibly well and paved the way for the Tucson in 2004.
The Tucson became one of the most popular SUVs worldwide winning itself a lot of accolades and praise.
During this period, the brand also became synonymous with car safety. Since its release, the Tucson has grown into Hyundai’s best selling model.
Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta was built for the BRICS markets especially India and Russia, where it became the top selling model between 2017 – 2021.
It pushed the right buttons for young professionals and families looking for a stylish and reliable SUV that still remained affordable.
Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue is a much smaller SUV than the Creta. The Venue mixes the versatility of an SUV and fuel economy of a compact in a city friendly size.
Innovation in Design and Hyundai’s advancement in other industries
Hyundai Staria – The Future of Vans
The Staria is one of the boldest vehicles Hyundai has ever created.
Its spaceship design looks like something from a science fiction movie. And gets you really excited by the future of vehicle design.
This Van has shown that Hyundai is not scared to lead and push boundaries with design.
Beyond Cars: The brand's advancement in Other Industries
- Steel Production: Unlike other automakers, Hyundai owns its own steel plant, Hyundai Steel. This vertical integration ensures quality control and cost efficiency.
- Involvement in Robotics: They entered robotics by acquiring Boston Dynamics, known for its advanced robotic technologies.
- Marine Engineering: Hyundai Heavy Industries is one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, proving the brand’s range goes beyond automobiles.
Want more stories like this? Check out:
