From Pony to IONIQ - investment in automotive technology makes Hyundai Motor the world's sixth largest car brand
Hyundai Motor celebrates 40 years of export growth in international markets, following a period of significant growth that has made it one of the fastest growing brands in the world. From South Korea's first mass-produced model to the latest generation of eco-cars, more than 23 million Hyundai Motor vehicles have been exported worldwide since 1976.
The company's groundbreaking "Pony" four-door sedan was launched in South America, with 1,042 vehicles delivered to 13 countries. Four decades later, Hyundai Motor now exports more than 1.15 million vehicles annually from the company's production plants in South Korea alone, shipped to 184 countries. It is estimated that about 3,150 vehicles are exported per day, three times the total exports in the first year.
At an event celebrating the fourth decade milestone in Guayaquil, Republic of Ecuador (Ecuador) - the country where Hyundai Motor's first export took place - Mr. Zayong Koo, Vice President, Head of Global Corporate Communications of Hyundai Motor Company, said: "Since exports began 40 years ago, Hyundai Motor's innovative thinking has made it one of the largest and fastest growing brands in the world. With such steady growth, we expect to evolve from an automotive manufacturing company to an automotive service provider. "
To mark this historic moment, Hyundai Motor presented a range of 26 historic and modern vehicles during the event. In order to highlight Hyundai's export history, the range of vehicles on display included two Pony models, the new Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs, as well as the ground-breaking IONIQ vehicles (hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric). After the event, participants took part in a test drive event with IONIQ vehicles in the beautiful Galapagos Islands to experience both the hybrid and fully electric versions of the vehicle.
Building on its international export success, Hyundai Motor is the sixth strongest automotive brand in the world and the 35th strongest brand overall globally, according to the latest Interbrand ratings. In another challenging year for the automotive industry, Hyundai Motor's total brand value increased by 11.1% compared to 2015, reaching $ 12.6bn and establishing its position among the strongest brands on the planet.
The Hyundai brand is geared to achieve even higher goals with the launch of the IONIQ - the world's first car to offer three alternative powertrains : hybrid, plug-in and fully electric in a single body type, enabling the general public to enjoy more affordable and enjoyable low to zero emissions driving.
In 2017, high-performance Hyundai N cars will come to market and the future of automotive is focused on the "IONIQ Project" that will continue to push the boundaries of the automotive industry, moving Hyundai Motor into new automotive horizons.
