Home > History

History

History of Hyundai Motor Company since 1967 until now.

Years

2018-2023          2013-2017          2011-2012           2009-2010           2007-2008         2001-2006         1967-2000

1996-2000

2000

  • Developed Korea’s first passenger diesel engine and large commercial engine
  • The debut of the four mid and large-sized Bus models
  • Korea’s first fuel cell electric vehicle Santa Fe developed
  • Official sponsor of the UEFA Euro 2000

1999

  • Launch of Equus (Centennial : Hyundai Motor’s ultra large-sized sedan), Verna, and Trajet XG
  • Developed Korea’s first automotive fuel cell battery

1998

  • Independently developed world-class, high performance V6 Delta engine
  • Launch of Grandeur (Azera) and Sonata
  • Established India plant
  • 2nd solar-powered vehicle developed
  • Acquisition of Kia Motors

1997

  • Independently developed Epsilon engine
  • Established the Turkey plant and Asan plant

1996

  • Cumulative production surpasses 10 million units
  • Inauguration of the Namyang Technology Research Center
  • Launch of Dynasty and Tiburon
1989-1995

1995

  • Launch of Avante (Elantra)
  • Completion of Jeonju commercial vehicle manufacturing plant
  • Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC) opens

1994

  • Annual production surpasses 1 million units
  • Launch of Accent
  • Solar-powered and fuel cell electric vehicles developed

1993

  • Launch of Sonata II
  • Unveiling of the HCD-II concept car

1992

  • Unveiling of HCD-I, Korea’s first concept car
  • Cumulative production surpasses 5 million units

1991

  • Developed Alpha engine, the first engine created in Korea
  • Launch of Galloper
  • Developed Sonata EV

1990

  • Launch of Elantra and Scoupe

1989

  • Overseas exports of Excel surpass 1 million units
1967-1988

1988

  • Launch of Sonata, Hyundai Motor’s mid-sized luxury sedan

1987

  • Excel is the best selling imported compact car in the U.S. for 3 consecutive years

1986

  • Exports of Excel to the U.S. begin
  • Launch of Grandeur (Azera), Hyundai Motor’s large-sized luxury car

1985

  • Launch of Pony Excel
  • Incorporation of the U.S. subsidiary HMA
  • Launch of 1st generation Sonata

1983

  • Incorporation of the Canadian subsidiary HMC

1976

  • Launch of Hyundai Pony, the first Korean passenger car
  • First export of Hyundai Pony to Ecuador

1968

  • Completion of Ulsan assembly plant
  • Mass production of Cortina begins

1967

  • Incorporation of Hyundai Motor Company