Hyundai
Hyundai
Founded
1967
Founders
Chung Ju-Yung
Country
South Korea
Headquarters
Seoul, South Korea
Hyundai
Founded
1967
Founders
Chung Ju-Yung
Country
South Korea
Headquarters
Seoul, South Korea
About this brand
Discover the history
Hyundai, a South Korean automotive powerhouse, has undergone a remarkable journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a global automotive force. Founded in 1967 by Chung Ju-Yung, the company initially focused on construction and expanded into the automotive sector in the 1970s.
In the early years, Hyundai established itself as a producer of reliable, affordable cars for the domestic market. The Hyundai Pony, introduced in 1975, marked the company’s entry into the passenger car market and laid the foundation for its future success. By the 1980s, Hyundai began exporting vehicles and rapidly expanded its global presence.
The 1990s saw Hyundai challenging international perceptions of Korean automobiles. The Hyundai Sonata and Elantra gained recognition for their quality and design, contributing to a positive shift in the brand’s image. Hyundai’s commitment to innovation was evident in the development of the Hyundai Accent and the introduction of the Hyundai Santa Fe, an early entrant into the SUV market.
The new millennium brought a transformative period for Hyundai. The Hyundai Genesis, launched in 2008, signaled the brand’s entry into the luxury segment. Hyundai’s dedication to fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability was showcased in the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the introduction of the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell, one of the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Hyundai’s evolution continued with the establishment of the Genesis luxury brand in 2015, emphasizing sophistication and advanced technology. The brand’s commitment to innovation was further demonstrated with the introduction of the Hyundai Kona Electric, an all-electric SUV, in response to the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Motorsport has played a crucial role in Hyundai’s brand narrative. The Hyundai World Rally Team entered the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2014, marking the brand’s foray into international rallying. The Hyundai i20 WRC, with its distinctive blue livery, became a familiar sight on rally stages worldwide.
In a short span, Hyundai Motorsport established itself as a formidable competitor in the WRC. The team secured its maiden victory in Germany in 2014, a historic achievement for both Hyundai and Korean motorsport. Subsequent years saw Hyundai Motorsport clinch multiple podiums and assert itself as a championship contender.
The Hyundai i20 N Rally Car, an evolution of the WRC car, has continued to represent Hyundai’s commitment to performance and motorsport excellence. The Hyundai Veloster N TCR, competing in various touring car championships globally, further expands Hyundai’s motorsport footprint.
Hyundai’s participation in motorsport aligns with the brand’s pursuit of excellence and its desire to showcase the performance capabilities of its vehicles. The success of Hyundai Motorsport has not only elevated the brand’s standing in the motorsport community but also contributed to the perception of Hyundai as a dynamic and performance-oriented automotive manufacturer.
