The South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai has been making waves in the international automotive industry for quite some time now. The company has not only established itself as a leading brand in the small car segment but also boasts high-quality manufacturing and innovative solutions in all other categories. But despite the car brand’s popularity and success, there are a few things you might not know about Hyundai.
Firstly, did you know that the Hyundai Group is responsible for creating several businesses outside of the automotive industry? The company, which was founded in 1947, includes various subsidiaries that operate in industries like construction, hospitality, and steel production. It’s said that the company’s primary business – automobile production – only comprises around a quarter of its total revenue.
Secondly, Hyundai has made significant strides in the field of eco-friendliness, leading to a future we all hope for. The manufacturer has been working for several years to develop eco-friendly cars, including fuel-cell vehicles and electric cars, such as the Ioniq Electric and the Kona Electric. The forward-thinking approach of Hyundai has led to the company establishing itself as a pioneer in the green car scene, and according to a report by the European Alternative Fuels Observatory, the Kona Electric was one of the most prevalent plug-in electric vehicles across Europe in 2019.
Lastly, there is a fun fact related to Hyundai and J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study (IQS). In the 2018 J.D. Power IQS, Hyundai was recognized as the third-highest-ranked non-premium brand, where it outperformed several high-end car brands. But rather surprisingly, when it came to car manufacturing quality, Hyundai had outpaced high-priced luxury brands like Audi, BMW, and even Porsche. The IQS examines vehicle manufacturing quality, including the number of defects presented by new vehicles in the first 90 days from when they have been initially bought or leased.
Hyundai has countless other achievements under its belt. Here are a few more worth mentioning:
The Hyundai Veloster is among the most popular cars for modification enthusiasts
The Hyundai Veloster has many fans globally, especially among the car modification community. While its performance and handling might pale in comparison to sportier models like the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Veloster still remains a popular choice for many car modding enthusiasts. In fact, the comic book writer and car enthusiast Anthony Fuentes even commissioned a custom Veloster display at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con.
Hyundai and KIA are sister companies
Hyundai is one of the parent companies of KIA, another South Korean car manufacturer that has also achieved global recognition. While KIA has, to some extent, tried to distance itself from Hyundai to project a more individualistic brand impression, the two companies share many technologies and engineering developments.
Hyundai’s assembly plant in Alabama is the world’s most sophisticated
One might think that the most sophisticated automobile manufacturing plant would be located in either Europe or Japan, but surprisingly, Hyundai’s Montgomery facility in Alabama, United States, is the most sophisticated in the world. The plant uses cutting-edge robotic technology and high-end automation systems to manufacture cars such as the Elantra, Sonata, and Santa Fe. What’s more, around 17,000 employees work at the facility, making it one of the largest employers in the state.
Hyundai has a tie-up with global footballing icon Lionel Messi
In 2020, Hyundai Automobiles signed an accord with football superstar Lionel Messi to become its brand ambassador. The agreement implies that Messi would work with Hyundai to undertake various initiatives, including using the brand for his own promotions and marketing.
In conclusion, Hyundai is much more than just a car brand. With several accolades and achievements under its belt, Hyundai has cemented its place in the global automotive industry. But even with all of the critical recognition and success, Hyundai continues to bring endless innovation and tech-driven solutions for the general public, demonstrating that it is a car company that is focused on its customers – and its environment.