History of Hyundai in San Antonio, TX

The Origin Story of Hyundai

Discover how Hyundai has continually pushed the boundaries through innovation, commitment to sustainability, and groundbreaking strides in future mobility. In order to grasp the direction you're heading in, it's essential to understand where you've come from. If you're among the many automotive enthusiasts keeping an eye on the groundbreaking innovations coming from the Hyundai brand, you might be curious about how this South Korean company emerged as a leading force in the industry. Let's delve into the past and uncover how Hyundai evolved into the automotive giant that we know today.

1947: The Beginning of Hyundai

Established in 1945 after South Korea's liberation, the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company, meaning "Modern Times," signaled a new era. Beyond automotive pursuits, the company secured government contracts to assist in the reconstruction of South Korea, augmenting the nation's infrastructure with initiatives such as the Kyeong-by Expressway. Hyundai's influence propelled South Korea into the industrialized world, marking the beginning of unprecedented growth.

1967: The Birth of Hyundai Motor Company

In 1969, the Hyundai Motor Company was established, and the Ulsan assembly plant was completed. This plant is now the largest integrated automobile manufacturing facility globally, with the capacity to produce up to 1.6 million units per year.

The Cortina was the first vehicle produced at the Ulsan plant, a model developed in partnership with the Ford Motor Company. The Cortina achieved great success in the European market, prompting Hyundai to venture into creating its own vehicle.

1975: The Turin Motor Show Features the Hyundai Pony

Hyundai enlisted the expertise of George Turnbull and a team of six European engineers to develop the inaugural Hyundai original vehicle. The outcome was the Hyundai Pony, a sleek, compact car featuring rear-wheel drive and an exterior design by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Dubbed "the car of the people," it quickly became Hyundai's leading vehicle and also marked South Korea's first mass-produced automobile.

1980s: International Expansion

In the 1980s, Hyundai experienced rapid global growth. The Pony was introduced in the UK in 1982 and then in Canada in 1984, quickly becoming the best-selling car. Additionally, the company launched the first-generation Hyundai Sonata in 1985 and reached the impressive milestone of producing its one-millionth car. In 1986, Hyundai successfully entered the U.S. market with the Pony Excel, which achieved record-breaking sales of 168,000 units in its first year, earning a place in Fortune magazine's prestigious 'Best Product' list.

1990s: Research For The Future

Throughout the 1990s, Hyundai reached many milestones, such as producing its four millionth car, introducing its first proprietary engine and transmission, and launching various popular models, including the Accent, Dynasty, and Tiburon. The company also expanded globally by establishing an R&D center in Germany in 1994 and opening a manufacturing plant in Turkey in 1997. In addition, Hyundai demonstrated its commitment to innovation by venturing into electric and hybrid vehicles, showcasing the Sonata Electric Vehicle in 1991 and the hybrid-electric FGV-1 in 1995.

2000s: SUVs and Electric Vehicles

As the new millennium approached, Hyundai embarked on a transformation to redefine its brand, making significant investments in quality, design, and long-term research. The company established the European Design Center in 2001 and the Technical Center in 2003, both located in Europe. Hyundai's first SUV, the Santa Fe, was launched in 2000 and quickly gained popularity, followed by the successful introduction of the Tucson in 2004. In 2007, Hyundai unveiled the i30, a European-designed and manufactured model, and in 2008, the groundbreaking hybrid electric Sonata was introduced, featuring advanced lithium polymer battery technology.

2010s and Current: A Fuel-Efficient Future

Throughout the past decade, Hyundai has made significant strides in the development of eco-friendly vehicles and cutting-edge technology, positioning itself as a frontrunner in emission-free transportation. In 2010, the company unveiled BlueOn, its first mass-produced electric car, and followed it up with the groundbreaking ix35 Fuel Cell in 2013, the world's first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. In 2016, Hyundai introduced the IONIQ with three electrified powertrains, and in 2018, it further solidified its position with the launch of the Kona Electric. Demonstrating its unwavering dedication to hydrogen technologies, in 2019, Executive Vice Chairman Euisun Chung unveiled the 'FCEV Vision 2030' plan, outlining Hyundai's commitment to bolstering fuel cell production and exploring new avenues for growth.