Hyundai has reached a significant milestone with the production of its 100 millionth vehicle. In just 57 years, we achieved the milestone, significantly outpacing industry giants such as Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, and General Motors in the process. As the market welcomes the latest addition to Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup – the innovative IONIQ 5 – the automaker is poised to dominate global sales with its cutting-edge, long-range, and fast-charging technology.
Since its inception in 1967, Hyundai Motor has forged a unique path within the automotive industry. Following the launch of South Korea’s first mass-produced passenger car, the Hyundai Pony, in 1967, the company accelerated its pace of innovation, with the introduction of iconic models such as the Sonata, Excel, and Elantra throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
In 1991, Hyundai took a pioneering step by developing its initial electric vehicle prototype, the Sonata Y2 EV. The IONIQ FE concept vehicle served as a precursor to Hyundai’s dedicated electric IONIQ line, launched in 2020.
Following the launch of its inaugural electric vehicle, the IONIQ 5, a compact crossover introduced in 2021, Hyundai’s midsize electric SUV continues to rise through the global sales rankings. Hyundai debuted its electrified streamliner, the IONIQ 6, on the market in 2022, marking a significant milestone for the brand’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
Hyundai celebrated a significant achievement when its 100 millionth vehicle, a Hyundai IONIQ 5, left the assembly line on September 30, 2024, thanks to its commitment to electric vehicles.
Hyundai achieves landmark milestone of 100 million vehicles produced since its founding in 1967, marking a significant achievement amidst a renewed focus on electric vehicles.
Despite taking 57 years to reach its current stature, Hyundai’s journey was precipitous compared to that of other global automotive giants, with the company facing the abyss much sooner in its history.
According to industry reports, it took Volkswagen, Toyota, General Motors, and Ford nearly a century to collectively achieve this same benchmark.
A Hyundai IONIQ 5 (left) and IONIQ 6 are seen alongside a Tesla Supercharger, courtesy of Hyundai.
At Hyundai’s Ulsan Plant, a cornerstone of the company’s achievements, officials gathered to celebrate its status as the “heart of electrification”, boasting a dedicated electric vehicle production facility on site.
As a milestone in its electrification journey, this inaugural event marks just the beginning for Hyundai Motor’s ambitious plan to pioneer a new era of eco-friendly mobility. Hyundai’s momentum in electrification continues to accelerate, driven by its successful transition to a new era of superior electric vehicles (EVs), including offerings from Kia and Genesis, all built on the innovative E-GMP platform.
Hyundai’s global presence is expanding steadily. In the past year, the company has marked a significant milestone by opening a cutting-edge robot-run smart factory in Singapore, leveraging innovative technology to streamline operations, cut costs, and accelerate production timelines.
By next month, South Korea’s Hyundai is set to launch its massive Metaplant America facility in Georgia, a $7.6 billion investment that will see the production of new electric vehicles.
The primary car set to debut at the event is the cutting-edge 2025 IONIQ 5, boasting an array of innovative features and a Tesla NACS charging port. Later this year, Hyundai is poised to debut its inaugural three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9.
Hyundai’s budget-friendly Casper Electric (known as the Ioniq 5 in overseas markets) has launched globally, including South Korea, Europe, and other international territories.
Starting at an affordable price point under $27,500 (25,000 euros), Hyundai’s compact electric SUV is poised to become one of the most budget-friendly electric vehicles on the market as the Korean automaker continues to gain traction in the EV landscape.
Electrek’s Take
As one of the top affordable electric vehicle manufacturers, Hyundai is quickly gaining traction globally with several standout models.
In the second quarter, a significant milestone was achieved as Hyundai Motor, along with its subsidiaries Kia and Genesis, surged past Ford and General Motors to become America’s second-largest electric vehicle (EV) seller, lagging only behind Tesla in terms of sales volume. The South Korean automotive manufacturer achieved an all-time record-breaking performance in the US market in August, with a substantial 79,000 vehicles sold across both wholesale and retail channels.
As US manufacturing ramps up and fresh designs debut, Hyundai is poised to further strengthen its market position. In various global markets, Hyundai can focus on mainstream segments while showcasing its unique electric vehicle offerings.
To secure a leadership position, Hyundai is strategically investing heavily in battery technology and various electric vehicle innovations to reduce costs and boost efficiency. Recently, Hyundai and Kia announced the launch of a new lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery joint venture, designed to power their future range of affordable electric vehicles.
