Milestone as Hyundai celebrates 100 millionth car produced
South Korean car maker Hyundai has celebrated a “significant milestone” as it marks the 100 millionth vehicle produced. The feat was managed in just 57 years since the foundation of the company, making it one of the fastest growing in the global car industry. To celebrate it, Hyundai held a ceremony at its Ulsan Plant in Korea.
The company delivered the 100 millionth and first car, an all-electric IONIQ 5 directly to its customer. The car rolled off the final inspection conveyor belt at the Ulsan Plant’s shipping centre during a special handover ceremony. The event included a celebratory display commemorating “100 million and 1.”
“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,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “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.”
The Ulsan Plant opened its doors in 1968 and holds a “significant historical importance” as the “birthplace of the development of the Korean automobile industry.” It built the nation’s first mass-produced independent model, the Pony in 1975, and is currently a central hub for electrification, with Hyundai building a dedicated electric vehicle facility there.
“This historic achievement follows Hyundai Motor’s continuous growth,” the company said in a press release, “fueled by the launch of the premium brand Genesis, the high-performance brand N, and the introduction of EVs such as the IONIQ 5 based on the dedicated electric global modular platform (E-GMP). The company’s global footprint has expanded with production facilities in Turkey, India, the U.S., and the Czech Republic, contributing to record achievements including surpassing 50 million vehicles manufactured in 2013.”
