Hyundai has achieved a monumental milestone, announcing that it has built 100 million vehicles since its inception in 1967. To commemorate the occasion, the South Korean automaker delivered its 100 millionth and first car, an all-electric Ioniq 5, to a lucky customer. This symbolic gesture highlights Hyundai’s philosophy of pushing beyond past accomplishments, showcasing its commitment to continual innovation and progress.
The journey to 100 million vehicles spans an impressive 57 years. While Hyundai was founded in 1967, it wasn’t until 1968 that the company’s first manufacturing plant in Ulsan, South Korea, went online. The Ulsan facility, which Hyundai proudly calls the “birthplace of the Korean automobile industry,” produced the country’s first mass-produced car, the Pony. Today, this plant remains a powerhouse, capable of producing 1.6 million cars annually.
Hyundai’s global footprint has expanded far beyond South Korea, with production plants now located in the Czech Republic, India, Turkey, and the United States. Despite its rapid growth, it took Hyundai 46 years to reach its first 50 million vehicles in 2013. However, fueled by innovation and an expanding global customer base, the company doubled that number in just 11 years, reaching the 100-million mark in 2024.
Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor, expressed gratitude to the company’s customers, saying, “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.” He emphasized that the company’s spirit of bold challenges and constant pursuit of innovation will continue to drive Hyundai toward even greater achievements in the future.
Though Hyundai is not typically associated with a deep motorsport or performance car legacy, the company has made significant strides in recent years, producing cars that excite enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. The Veloster N, Hyundai’s first true performance car, has been praised as a masterpiece, and the Ioniq 5 N is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting electric vehicles on the market.
As Hyundai sets its sights on another 100 million cars, its bold innovations in electric mobility and performance vehicles signal that the company is ready to continue shaping the future of the automotive industry. Here’s to another century of success for the South Korean giant.
