Posts Tagged → Hyundai News
ONE MILLIONTH VEHICLE ROLLS OFF HYUNDAI MOTOR MANUFACTURING ALABAMA ASSEMBLY LINE
Montgomery, Ala., November 30, 2009 – Today, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) President and CEO H.I. Kim, drove HMMA’s 1,000,000 vehicle – a 2010 Sonata – off the assembly line with Mayor Todd Strange, Hyo-Seung Kim, CEO and President of Sejong and HMMA Team Member Angela Collins joining him in Hyundai’s top-selling vehicle in North America.
“Our guests of honor today are without a doubt the team members wearing the Hyundai logo on their chest,” H.I. Kim proudly exclaimed to the crowd gathered for the ceremony. “We’ve over came many challenges since production began in 2005 and through it all our Team Members never turned away from those challenges. It is because of you that we were able to accomplish this tremendous milestone.”
In a little more than four and one-half years, HMMA reached the 1,000,000 vehicle mark. The plant has produced two different vehicles since 2006, the Sonata and Santa Fe.
A total of 655,496 Sonatas and 344,504 Santa Fes were built to reach this achievement in the plant’s short history.
“Most of you had never worked in automobile plant, but you embraced the opportunity to be trained to do a brand new job, with brand new equipment in a brand new manufacturing facility,” explained Rick Neal, HMMA vice president and general counsel. “You learned to build cars in a very short time. Your vehicles have won numerous awards because you worked together as one team to build world class, high quality Hyundai vehicles. Congratulations to each and every one of you.”
Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, who helped bring Hyundai to Alabama during his tenure as director of the Alabama Development Office, congratulated Team Members
-MORE-
for reaching 1,000,000 vehicles and helping to expand the automotive manufacturing sector in Alabama. Mayor Strange was one of the first representatives from Alabama to meet with Hyundai executives. More than eight years ago, on Thanksgiving Day, he flew to Seoul, South Korea to lure the global company to Montgomery.
Carver Senior High School’s Drum Line, under the direction of Stephen Langford, entertained everyone with a raucous performance as the 2010 Sonata traveled down the quality inspection line. Plus, team members enjoyed spraying confetti over the sedan as it exited the line.
HMMA started producing Sonatas in May 2005. Santa Fes were added to the assembly lines in April 2006. The plant is currently manufacturing the 2010 Santa Fe and will soon begin assembling the “all new” 2011 Sonata.
HMMA employs more than 2,700 team members and has an annual economic impact of $420 million on the River Region.
Popularity: 1% [?]
GENESIS COUPE EARNS POPULAR MECHANICS 2010 AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE AWARD
POPULAR MECHANICS AUTOMOTIVE EXPERTS RECOGNIZE HYUNDAI’S GENESIS COUPE AS AN AFFORDABLE “FUN TO DRIVE” SPORTS COUPE
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 11/09/2009
Popular Mechanics honored the all-new Hyundai Genesis Coupe with a 2010 Automotive Excellence Award in the “Fun to Drive” category. Genesis Coupe outperforms the competition with its dynamic rear-wheel-drive handling aimed at true sports enthusiasts. This is the second time Hyundai has earned a Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Award; the 2006 Sonata received the honor for its excellence in safety.

“Hyundai has transformed its image – and its cars – in an amazingly short time,” said Ben Stewart, Popular Mechanics automotive editor. “The Genesis Coupe is more than just a sleek, fun-to-drive sports coupe. It’s proof that Hyundai has developed world-class design, engineering and car-building expertise.”
The annual Automotive Excellence Awards recognize the top 10 cars, trucks and technologies that are most significant each year. In 2009, Popular Mechanics editors saw a trend in the return and refresh of American icons in addition to a fuel efficiency focus with a mix of new hybrids and compact cars.
Genesis Coupe is Hyundai’s most dynamic performance car ever and uses the same flexible rear-wheel drive architecture as the 2009 North American Car of the Year Genesis sedan to appeal to true driving enthusiasts. The Genesis Coupe offers a 2.0-liter intercooled four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 210 horsepower, and a 3.8-liter V6 Track model with 306 horsepower and massive Brembo brakes. In fact, when tested side-by-side against an Infiniti G37, “the Hyundai Genesis Coupe nearly matched the Infiniti in every performance measure, and did so for $15,000 less,” according to Stewart.
“It’s an honor for Hyundai to once again receive this prestigious award, and we are even more thrilled that the Genesis Coupe took the crown in the ‘fun-to-drive’ category,” said Derek Joyce, Genesis Coupe product manager, Hyundai Motor America. “With an aggressive, wedge-like design, rear-wheel-drive architecture and 5-link independent rear suspension, the Genesis Coupe was truly built with the driving enthusiast in mind.”

Each year, to determine the winners of the Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards, editors drive more than 100 of the newest cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles, amassing well over 100,000 miles in the process. Through their experiences on extended test drives around the world, instrumented comparison tests and longer-term evaluations, the auto team nominates a list of vehicles in each category. Those selections are put to a vote and the top recipients in each category win an Automotive Excellence Award. The auto team is led by Automotive Editor Ben Stewart, working with Senior Automotive Editor Mike Allen, Detroit Editor Larry Webster and Editor-in-Chief James Meigs.
POPULAR MECHANICS
Popular Mechanics (http://www.popularmechanics.com) is a magazine that helps readers master the modern world. In addition to providing hands-on coverage of personal technology, cars and home improvement, Popular Mechanics reports in depth on the science and technology behind major issues — including such stories as disaster planning, hydrogen fuel and other energy alternatives, military expenditures, and digital privacy. Popular Mechanics is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation (http://www.hearst.com) and one of the world’s largest publishers of monthly magazines.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.
Hyundai’s all-new flagship, the Genesis sedan, earned the most top-car honors in 2009 beginning with the 2009 North American Car of the Year – the first time a Korean brand has ever achieved the honor. At last count, Genesis tallied more than 20 top honors from the most prominent media outlets and automotive organizations in North America including, J.D. Power and Associates, Motor Trend, AutoPacific, Cars.com and other leading consumer publications.
All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.
Popularity: 1% [?]
HYUNDAI MOVES INTO TIMES SQUARE WITH NEW OUTDOOR AD CAMPAIGN
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF., 11/05/2009
Hyundai Motor America moved into one of the world’s most high-profile advertising venues with a new Times Square billboard. The space at 2 Times Square in the heart of the famous “crossroads of the world” is a cubed shaped sign offering three display faces. The front display has two LED screens showing an updated stream of Hyundai video content, flanked on each side by two vinyl banners. The first Hyundai ads to be placed in Times Square feature Genesis Coupe. Hyundai is leasing the space through Sherwood Outdoor.
The video display enables Hyundai to develop new content that is both contextual and engaging. For example, the current videos feature the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe flying around the world-famous Road Atlanta racetrack, drifting through corners and accelerating down straightaways. A question is posed: “What’s your excuse?” Viewers are prompted with: “But officer. . .,” then given a series of fill-in-the-blank responses:
* “I always drive fast when I hear opera!”
* “I was trying to activate the flux capacitor.”
* “I get muscle spasms in the leg.”
“As one of the world’s largest brands, Hyundai is actively looking for ways to integrate with the world’s biggest advertising venues, such as the Super Bowl, Academy Awards and World Cup,” said Chris Perry, director of Marketing Communications, Hyundai Motor America. “Times Square billboards draw 1.5 million impressions daily and it is one of the most iconic locations for outdoor advertising, so it aligns perfectly with our overall brand strategy.”
In the future, Hyundai will integrate text messaging capability so that viewers can customize responses and post them to the video board. Hyundai is exploring other interactive capabilities for the display, and will integrate new campaigns to ensure the content is fresh and topical.
The Times Square billboard follows a year of high-profile advertising initiatives from Hyundai. Hyundai launched its exciting new Genesis Coupe during Super Bowl coverage, and sponsored the game’s pre-game show. In addition, Hyundai sponsored the Academy Awards for the first time ever, airing a total of eight spots during the telecast focused on the innovative Hyundai Assurance consumer program.
ABOUT HYUNDAI
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.
Popularity: 1% [?]
HYUNDAI OPENS NEW R&D CENTER IN HYDERABAD
- US$25 million facility aims to become global centre of excellence for small car engineering
(Oct. 29, 2009 – Hyderabad, India) Hyundai Motor Company opened a new research and development center at Hyderabad in India, the company’s fourth overseas R&D center.
Set up with a US$ 25 million investment and located in the HITECH City of Hyderabad, the new 200,000 square-foot facility, Hyundai Motor India Engineering Pvt. Ltd (HMIE), will further accelerate local content development and enable Hyundai to respond even more quickly to changing customer needs across the world.
The new facility, which was completed in April after 25 months of construction, will serve as an important platform for the development of sub-compact cars in order to meet surging demand. Located about 800 km northwest of Hyundai Motor India’s Chennai production plant, it will further facilitate the development of India as Hyundai’s global hub for manufacturing and engineering of small cars.
This newly created R&D center will also support all back-end operations like computer aided engineering (CAE), computer aided design (CAD) and help the R & D work taking place across Hyundai’s car lineup. In addition, it will provide vehicle development including styling, engineering design and vehicle test & evaluation for cars manufactured in India to satisfy the specific needs of the Indian customers. This state-of-the-art center currently employs about 300 engineers and Hyundai plans to gradually increase this number, strengthening its operations.
Hyundai’s other overseas R&D centers are located in the United States, Germany and Japan.
Popularity: 1% [?]
HYUNDAI MOTOR ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS
- Net Profit 979 Billion Won, Sales 8.1 Trillion Won
- Global Market Share Reaches 5.5%
(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, sold 824,181 units (domestic & exports: 414,890 units, overseas plants: 409,291 units) worldwide in the third quarter, a 41.4 percent increase from a year earlier as demand grew mainly on the back of government sponsored initiatives.
Net profit for the three months ended Sept. 30 stood at 979 billion won, increasing 270 percent from a year earlier. Sales increased 33.8 percent to 8.1 trillion won from a year earlier, while operating profit rose 462 percent to 587 billion won.
Hyundai Motor’s global market share rose to 5.5 percent in the third quarter, compared to 4.4 percent during the same period last year. The automaker has been expanding its presence in markets such as the U.S., China, India, and Europe by raising its brand image and boosting marketing activities. The company also took full advantage of the various consumer initiatives launched by governments across the globe by tapping into demand for highly fuel-efficient and attractively positioned cars.
Hyundai Motor, which launched the new U.S.-bound Sonata and Tucson models in Korea last month, plans to remain profitable in the fourth quarter and beyond by increasing its market share with new models and cutting costs.
Popularity: 1% [?]
HYUNDAI MOMENTUM CAPTURED IN NEW AD CAMPAIGN
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 10/09/2009
Hyundai Motor America enters Q4 2009 riding a wave of positive news, industry accolades and increased sales despite a persistent economic slump and challenging sales environment. The company’s latest advertising campaign, titled “Momentum,” puts an exclamation point on a year of consistently positive news from Hyundai, including 2009 North American Car of the Year honors for Genesis sedan, ranking number one among non-premium brands in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, and launching one of the industry’s most influential incentive programs, Hyundai Assurance.
The campaign directs viewers to www.HyundaiMomentum.com, which features recent news stories focused on new models, corporate initiatives and global success. Hyundai plans to add more articles and enhance search functionality over time, maintaining the site as a one-stop shop for consumers interested in reading what media has to say about Hyundai.
“We have been receiving a lot of accolades, awards and positive reinforcement from the press and consumers. And shoppers are noticing this. We needed to find a way to harness this momentum and offer it up in a way that is easy for the consumer to access and understand,” said Chris Perry, director of marketing communications, Hyundai Motor America. “Hyundai Momentum addresses that curiosity, and gives consumers a destination to satisfy it.”
Hyundai Momentum broke on October 1 with online advertising, followed by broadcast spots October 4 during NFL games. The campaign is slated to run through November. Ad creative, which includes five unique TV spots and a variety of online ads, was developed by Innocean Worldwide Americas.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 790 dealerships nationwide.
Popularity: 1% [?]
GREDDY TO DEBUT PERFORMANCE PARTS FOR HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE
Genesis Coupe Customized by GReddy to be Featured at SEMA Show 2009
To enhance the tunability of its most dynamic performance car ever, Hyundai has teamed up with GReddy Performance Parts to manufacture products for the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. These high-performance parts will be displayed on the “GReddy X-Gen Street Genesis Coupe” show car at SEMA 2009. The vehicle from GReddy is designed for the enthusiast looking to make modifications for daily driving or a weekend at the track. All of the GReddy parts designed for the Genesis Coupe are planned to be released as a production kit and available for enthusiasts everywhere. The vehicle will be on display at the Hyundai booth at the SEMA Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center from Nov. 3 – Nov. 6, 2009 (Booth # 24387).
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T will follow the GReddy Total Tune-Up theme that will not only increase the performance of the engine, but also improve handling and braking. The finished car will blend reliable street performance with a powerful driving experience. The initial performance targets of the GReddy-powered Genesis Coupe will be 350 horsepower and 320 ft/lbs of torque with a 0-60 time under six seconds. Following SEMA, GReddy plans to make additional engine modifications, pushing horsepower to nearly 500.
“The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a perfect car for the automotive enthusiast and the GReddy products are designed to maximize the performance capabilities of the vehicle,” said Kenji Sumino, general manager, GReddy Performance Parts. “The Genesis Coupe is the ideal car for SEMA and we are building upon the overall concepts originally designed by Hyundai engineers and are looking forward to developing a must-see car at this year’s SEMA Show.”

Mechanically, GReddy plans to include a GReddy Performance Products Turbo Upgrade Kit, large front-mounted intercooler kit, a SE Spectrum Elite cat-back exhaust system, MX racing downpipe, Type-S fully adjustable coil-over suspension and numerous other modifications. The vehicle will also feature GReddy six-piston front and four-piston rear brake calipers.
“The performance parts from GReddy allow enthusiasts to capitalize on the rear-wheel drive Genesis platform,” said Michael Deitz, manager, product development, Hyundai Motor America. “The modifications made by GReddy to the Genesis Coupe 2.0T will highlight the performance capabilities of the vehicle that can be achieved in a real-world setting.”
Styling modifications to the GReddy Genesis Coupe will include an Aero lip spoiler, carbon fiber hood, aggressive rear spoiler, Volk Racing G2 wheels and Toyo performance tires. The unique vehicle graphics will be designed and completed in collaboration with artists from Hyundai’s North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif. Inside, SEMA Show attendees will find Sparco racing seats, modified gauges, boost controller and a turbo timer as well as a remote switching system.
GREDDY PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
GReddy is a 100 percent direct subsidiary of Trust Co. Ltd. of Japan (“Trust Company”) and is in the wholesale business of providing automotive performance parts to retailers and installers serving the automotive enthusiast market. Based in Irvine, Calif., GReddy has been a recognized leader in this industry since opening its doors in 1994.
From the beginning, GReddy’s performance products, manufactured by Trust Company, have caught the attention of the national automotive press. Throughout the years, numerous articles have been published about GReddy’s products in Motor Trend, Road & Track and other automobile enthusiast magazines. Modifications using GReddy’s parts have been highlighted in programs on the Speed Channel on cable and satellite television. Productions such as the “The Fast and the Furious” series of movies have used vehicles specifically modified with GReddy parts.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.
Popularity: 1% [?]
HYUNDAI MOTOR REPORTS SEPTEMBER GLOBAL SALES
- Global sales up 61.3% Y-o-Y to 307,181 units
- Korean sales up 118.0%, overseas sales rise 50.0% Y-o-Y
(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, posted a 61.3 percent rise in September global sales compared to a year earlier helped by the launch of two new models, Tucson ix and Sonata, as well as strong sales from overseas plants.
Domestic sales rose 118.0 percent to 68,570 units in September from 31,449 units a year earlier. This can be attributed mainly to the Korean government’s tax benefits offered since May to consumers who exchange their vehicles older than 10 years for new ones. More working days, compared to the same month last year, also influenced the results.
The best-selling model in Korea last month was the Sonata, selling 16,299 units. Of this figure, 9,517 units were the all-new Sonata model, which was launched in the domestic market on September 17.
Total overseas sales, including both exports from Korea and sales from overseas plants, rose by 50.0 percent to 238,611 units in September, up from 159,031 units a year earlier, aided by strong sales from Hyundai’s overseas plants in China, India and the Czech Republic.
Exports from Korea increased by 43.9% to 88,331 units for the month compared to a year earlier. In September last year, supplies from domestic plants were insufficient due to national holidays which fell in that month. Sales from overseas plants rose 53.9 percent to 150,280 units.
Hyundai Motor will keep focusing on expanding its market share in the global market by increasing supplies of popular models and continuing marketing activities to suit local markets.
September 2009 Results
| September 2009 | Y-o-Y (%) | September 2008 | ||
| Domestic
Sales |
Passenger Cars | 41,123 | 117.2 | 18,933 |
| SUVs | 12,713 | 124.3 | 5,668 | |
| 1CVs | 14,734 | 115.2 | 6,848 | |
| Total | 68,570 | 118.0 | 31,449 | |
| Overseas
Sales |
Exports | 88,331 | 43.9 | 61,370 |
| 2Overseas Plants | 150,280 | 53.9 | 97,661 | |
| Total | 238,611 | 50.0 | 159,031 | |
| Global Sales Total | 307,181 | 61.3 | 190,480 | |
Popularity: 1% [?]
HYUNDAI LAUNCHES STRETCH EDITION OF ITS LUXURY FLAGSHIP, EQUUS
2009-09-29
- 300 mm longer than the sedan version, increasing comfort for the VIP passenger
- Features award-winning Tau Engine in V8 5.0L version
- Offering the world’s most comfortable passenger experience
*All specifications in this release are Korean domestic.
(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Co. today began receiving orders for the long wheelbase edition of its most luxurious car, the EQUUS.
The stretch edition offers several upgraded features from the normal sedan version, including differentiated exterior designs and longer overall length. The engine and other functions have been reinforced to attain first-class performance, safety, comfort and convenience.
With the comfort of passengers at the forefront of its design principle, the EQUUS Limousine, as it is named in Korea, offers passengers unparalleled levels of interior volume. The vehicle’s length is longer than major competitors by as much as 310 mm, with backseat legroom as much as 376 mm longer, as well.

To differentiate it from the EQUUS sedan, the stretch version is equipped with an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille with an emblem in the center. Thus, the exterior image exudes an impression of strength and confidence, in line with the vehicle’s elegant image.
EQUUS Limousine comes with a choice of two sophisticated engines: The Lambda 3.8L engine and the Tau 5.0L engine. The Tau 5.0 engine, applied to the stretch version for the first time, is a reinforced version of the Tau 4.6L engine that won the 2009 Ward’s 10 Best Engines award.
With a maximum output of 400ps and a peak torque rating of 51.0kg, the stretch version outperforms its competitors, such as the Lexus LS460L and Mercedes S500L by 20ps and 12ps, respectively.

The power-driven footrest, the world’s first, along with Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture Control and Massage System function, allows passengers the most comfortable driving experience found today.
The price for the long wheelbase edition EQUUS ranges from 135 million won to 146 million won (approximately US$113,000 to US$122,180, based on today’s currency exchange rates).
Additionally, Hyundai has successfully developed a bulletproof version of the long wheelbase EQUUS and has donated three units to the Blue House (the Korean Presidential Residence). Hyundai is the first Korean company ? and one of a handful worldwide – to develop a bulletproof car with its own technology.
? EQUUS Limousine Specifications
|
CLASSIFICATION |
EQUUS SEDAN |
EQUUS LIMOUSINE |
|||
|
Dimension (mm) |
Overall Length |
5,160 |
5,460 |
||
|
Overall Width |
1,900 |
1,900 |
|||
|
Overall Height |
1,495 |
1,495 |
|||
|
Wheel Base |
3,045 |
3,345 |
|||
|
Engine |
Name |
V6 |
V8 |
V6 |
V8 |
|
Displacement (CC) |
3,778 |
4,627 |
3,778 |
5,038 |
|
|
Max.Output (ps/rpm) |
290/6,200 |
366/6,500 |
290/6,200 |
400/6,400 (with premium oil) |
|
|
Max. Torque (kg?m/pm) |
36.5/4,500 |
44.8/3,500 |
36.5/4,500 |
51.0/3,500 (with premium oil) |
|
|
Fuel efficiency (km/l) |
9.3 |
8.8 |
9.0 |
8.0 |
|
|
Empty Vehicle Weight(Kg) |
1,875 |
2,025 |
2,040 |
2,125 |
|
|
Suspension |
Front |
Multi-link |
Multi-link |
||
|
Rear |
Multi-link |
Multi-link |
|||
|
Max Tire |
245/45R19 (F) 275/40R19 (R) |
||||
? Comparison with competitors
|
Classification |
EQUUS Limousine |
Lexus LS460L |
Mercedes S500L |
BMW750Li |
|
|
Spec (mm) |
Length |
5,460 |
5,150 |
5,210 |
5,212 |
|
Width |
1,900 |
1,875 |
1,870 |
1,902 |
|
|
Height |
1,495 |
1,465 |
1,475 |
1,478 |
|
|
Wheelbase |
3,345 |
3,090 |
3,165 |
3,210 |
|
|
Rear Seat Leg Room |
1,310 |
980 |
934 |
1,030 |
|
|
Engine |
Number of Cylinders |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
|
Displacement(CC) |
5,038 |
4,608 |
5,462 |
4,395 |
|
|
Max output |
400 |
380 |
388 |
407 |
|
Popularity: 1% [?]
GRAND OPENING CEREMONY AT HYUNDAI MOTOR MANUFACTURING CZECH (HMMC) PLANT
- EUR 1 billion investment
- 300,000 units per year and 11,000 jobs by 2011
(Nosovice, Czech Republic) Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea’s largest automaker, officially opened its EUR 1 billion manufacturing plant in Nosovice, Czech Republic, today.
With mass production having started in November last year, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC), a fully-owned subsidiary of Seoul-based Hyundai Motor Co., has the current capacity to build 200,000 vehicles annually, which will be increased by 100,000 to reach 300,000 units per year in 2011.
The first vehicle to be produced was the award-winning i30 C-class five-door hatchback, and was joined by its sister model, the i30cw (estate wagon), in February of this year. The third model to be built by HMMC will be the Kia Venga, a B-segment MPV, production of which will start in the last quarter of 2009, while a fourth model will be added in 2011, when production capacity will be increased to 300,00 units per annum in a three shift operation.
With the completion of the Czech factory, Hyundai Motor now has a production foothold in all major markets, including the USA, China, India and Turkey. This global production network will enable the company to supply top-quality vehicles to customers around the world more quickly and efficiently.
“With our global production system, we will continue to focus on providing the highest quality vehicles, the most important principle of our management philosophy. Our goal is, and always has been, to become one of the world’s leading automotive companies” said Hyundai Motor Co. Vice Chairman Euisun Chung at the opening ceremony today.
“The Nosovice plant does have a very vital role to play in realizing our global goals. So we will carefully nurture this new plant to make it an exemplary facility within the global automotive industry” he continued.
Production of the i30 hatchback and wagon, both designed at Hyundai’s European Design and Technical Center in Russelsheim, Germany, recently hit 80’000 units since November of last year. Approximately 90 percent of the models rolling out of the Nosovice plant are sold in Europe, while the remaining 10 percent are exported to the Middle East and Africa.
Fulfilling Hyundai’s promise to provide a significant impetus to the growth and development of the Czech economy, 2,000 new jobs have been directly created at the new plant. At the supplier level, a further 4,000 jobs have been created, taking the total number of associated employment to 6,000. By 2011, the company plans to extend its number of direct and indirect employees to 3,500 and 7,500, respectively, creating 11,000 jobs in total.
Popularity: 4% [?]