Visit to Hyundai Motor Company

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Visit to Hyundai Motor Company

By Adewumi Adepoju ’26 MBA

As part of the global business immersion experience, we had the unique opportunity to visit Hyundai Motor Company, located in Ulsan city, South Korea’s largest automaker and a major global player in the automotive industry. This visit was both insightful and inspiring, offering a firsthand look into one of the world’s most innovative and strategically agile automotive firms.

Hyundai began as a domestic automaker in 1967 and quickly expanded to international markets, making a significant impact with its U.S. debut in 1986 through the launch of the Excel subcompact. The company’s rapid global growth was solidified in 1998 with the acquisition of a majority stake in Kia Motors, forming what is now the Hyundai Motor Group.

Today, Hyundai boasts a robust product lineup including passenger cars, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and a fast-growing range of electric and hybrid models. With manufacturing and R&D centers across North America, Europe, and Asia, the company serves customers in over 190 countries. As of 2023, Hyundai reported annual revenues of approximately $110 billion, a testament to its global strength and strategic evolution.

During our visit, we explored Hyundai’s integrated approach to manufacturing, product design, and market expansion. The company’s clear focus on innovation and quality was evident in its state-of-the-art production facilities and its commitment to sustainable mobility.

We also learned about Hyundai’s strategy to expand in emerging markets, notably India, where it plans to introduce 26 new models over the next five years. Such strategic diversification reflects the company’s resilience and ability to respond to competitive pressures globally.

One of the most striking aspects of Hyundai’s growth is how it has transcended the perception of Korean firms as low-cost manufacturers. Hyundai now positions itself as a premium, innovation-driven brand, especially in markets like the U.S., where it targets younger, well-educated consumers with higher credit scores. This shift is not just about marketing, it’s embedded in the customer experience, from the product design to the in-dealership.

Despite facing challenges such as U.S. tariffs and supply chain pressures, Hyundai continues to prioritize quality and long-term supplier relationships, ensuring sustained performance. The company's emphasis on collaborative improvement with suppliers reflects a deep commitment to excellence.

Visiting Hyundai Motor Company offered a compelling glimpse into how a legacy brand continues to evolve and thrive in a highly competitive, technologically driven global market. The experience reinforced key MBA themes around strategic growth, innovation, global operations, and sustainable leadership.

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