Hyundai joins the 100 million-vehicle club
The 100 millionth Hyundai has rolled of the production line at the Korean brand’s Ulsan PlantHyundai celebrated the production of its 100 millionth vehicle this week, some years after it first started building cars and just 11 years on from it 50 millionth.
The milestone vehicle was a 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 produced at the brand’s Ulsan Plant in Korea, the occasion marked by a special handover ceremony to the new owner at the end of the production line.
For the history buffs, the Ulsan Plant is described by some as the birthplace of the Korean car industry as it was there, back in 1975, Hyundai produced the Pony – it's first mass-produced, independently-developed model.
Commenting on the milestone, Hyundai CEO Jaehoon Chang said:
“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,” Hyundai CEO Jaehoon Chang said.
“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.”
Founded back in 1967, the Hyundai Motor Company began building its first car, a Ford Cortina under license, a year later before moving on to the pivotal car that would become the Pony in 1975.
The 1980s then proved to be a decade of rapid expansion that included the introduction of the Sonata and the launch of the budget Excel in the US, while in 1986, the car-maker entered the Australian market for the first time where it become one of the fastest-growing brands.
In the mid-nineties Hyundai looked to Europe for more growth and snapped up Kia Motors shortly after, cemented its status as one of the industry’s emerging giants.
Last year the Hyundai Motor Group produced and delivered an incredible 7.1 million vehicles worldwide, making it the world’s third biggest car-maker behind the Volkswagen (8.8m) and Toyota Groups (10.8m).
Related: New car sales to cool, says Hyundai
Related: Hyundai Pony goes electric
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
