Hyundai has reached an incredible milestone by producing its 100 millionth vehicle, marking an impressive achievement in the company’s 57-year history. The landmark vehicle was rolled out at Hyundai’s flagship Ulsan factory, and while it’s a historic moment for the brand, Hyundai chose to mark the occasion by delivering the next vehicle number 100,000,001 to its owner. This symbolic handover reflects Hyundai’s forward-thinking ethos, which is focused on future innovations while acknowledging the past.
The rapid pace of Hyundai’s progress is nothing short of remarkable. Since the Hyundai Motor Company was founded in late 1967, followed by the opening of the Ulsan factory in 1968, the brand has steadily grown to become a global powerhouse in the automotive industry. It took Hyundai 46 years to produce its first 50 million cars, reaching the milestone in 2013, but in the past 11 years, they’ve doubled that output. Today, Hyundai operates manufacturing facilities around the world, including plants in Turkey, India, the Czech Republic, and the United States, alongside its state-of-the-art facilities in Korea.
Hyundai’s ongoing success is set to continue, with a focus on electrification and innovative technologies. Dong Seock Lee, President and Head of Domestic Productions, said: "Every Hyundai employee has played a role in achieving this 100 million milestone through dedication and hard work. This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a new era of electrification, where Hyundai will lead the way.” The company is also heavily invested in future technologies, including AI, robotics, and smart factory innovations through the Hyundai Motor Group Global Innovation Centre in Singapore. The journey of growth and development shows no signs of slowing down.
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Looking back, it’s fascinating to see just how much Hyundai has evolved in a relatively short period. From the early days of producing cars like the Coupe, Accent, and Amica, to the introduction of the ‘i’ series—the i10, i20, and i30, which helped shift public perception of the brand. It was the launch of Hyundai’s high-performance N division, however, that truly put the brand on the map for enthusiasts. The i30 N and i20 N turned heads and raised expectations, setting a new benchmark for Hyundai’s sporty offerings. Models like the Kona N and the Ioniq 5 show Hyundai’s willingness to innovate and push boundaries.
The impact of Hyundai’s reputation for quality and performance is evident in the strong residual values for models like the i30 N, with early examples still fetching around £18,000. Meanwhile, the highly regarded i20 N, which saw a shorter production run, remains a sought-after hot hatch, with prices ranging from £18,500 to £25,000 depending on mileage and condition. The Ioniq 5, too, continues to impress with its blend of performance, technology, and design, embodying Hyundai’s commitment to a future-driven by electrification.
At DreamLease, we’re excited to see what Hyundai’s next chapter holds. With an unwavering focus on innovation and a growing lineup of exciting vehicles, there’s plenty to look forward to in the next 100 million cars. Whether you're interested in leasing a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or exploring the sporty N range, we’re here to help you drive the future of automotive excellence.
