Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has reached a milestone as it celebrates 25 years of car exports from India. Having started operations in 1999, the company has solidly positioned itself as a top passenger vehicle exporter, with total exports now reaching over 3.7 million units. This milestone is a testament to Hyundai’s vision for international growth and testifies to India’s increased importance in the automotive manufacturing industry.
Hyundai’s Export Journey: 25 Years of Growth and Expansion
Hyundai Motor India started its export business in 1999 with the aim of establishing India as a global manufacturing base. In the last two and a half decades, the company has grown its export base to more than 150 countries and now exports vehicles to over 60 countries. This wide presence has not only added heavily to India’s foreign exchange revenue but has also strengthened the nation’s image of manufacturing high-quality automobiles.
Among Hyundai’s export success stories, the i10 family has been one of the best, with more than 1.5 million units exported worldwide. The Verna family has also left its mark, with more than 500,000 exports. These models, for their reliability, fuel efficiency, and innovative design, have been a major factor in Hyundai’s increasing popularity across the globe.
Key Export Markets and Performance in 2024
In 2024, Hyundai India’s major export markets were Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Chile, and Peru. The company exported a total of 158,686 vehicles in the year, further strengthening its position as India’s largest automobile exporter. The popularity of Hyundai cars in these markets reflects the brand’s capability to meet varied consumer needs with its portfolio of smart mobility solutions.
Unsoo Kim, Director of HMIL, was beaming with pride over this achievement:
“Hyundai Motor India Limited proudly ranks as the biggest passenger car exporter from India cumulatively. Having shipped over 3.7 million units in the last 25 years, HMIL has earned substantial forex for the country and placed India on the global map for its manufacturing capabilities.
This is a testament to increasing confidence in Indian engineering and the popularity of Indian craftsmanship across the globe. Aspiring to be the biggest overseas export hub for Hyundai, we look forward to spreading our wings even further in the next few years. Complementing our global vision of ‘Progress for Humanity,’ our resolve to serve global customers with an extensive portfolio of smart mobility solutions will further be bolstered as we double down on Make in India, Made for the World.
Hyundai’s Successes in African Markets
Hyundai has made significant strides in Africa, surpassing 1 million cumulative exports to the continent. In 2024, the company expanded its presence by introducing the Hyundai Exter to South Africa. This model, manufactured exclusively by HMIL, is now the eighth ‘Made in India’ vehicle available in the South African market, further reinforcing Hyundai’s commitment to the region.
Increased exports of Hyundai vehicles in Africa affirm the firm’s capacity to support emerging economies with high-quality, affordable, and technologically savvy automobiles. Success for Hyundai in Africa also symbolizes India’s growing influence within the international auto supply chain.
Best-selling Hyundai Models Fuelling Export Growth
A number of Hyundai models have been quite successful in export markets over the years. Among its best-selling exports are:
Hyundai i10: A globally recognized hatchback with strong sales figures worldwide.
Hyundai Creta: A best-selling SUV known for its advanced features and robust design.
Hyundai Alcazar: A spacious and versatile SUV that has attracted buyers in multiple countries.
Hyundai Verna: A stylish sedan with strong appeal in global markets.
Hyundai Exter: A compact SUV catering to the growing demand for affordable crossovers.
Hyundai’s Vision for the Future
As Hyundai Motor India gazes into the future, the company seeks to consolidate its position as a major global export center. By tapping into India’s low-cost manufacturing strengths and talented workforce, HMIL intends to boost production, launch new models, and enter new markets.
The future agenda of the company features a strong emphasis on:
Growing electric vehicle (EV) exports to major overseas markets.
Developing local manufacturing strengths to address global demand.
Strengthening research and development efforts to create innovative mobility solutions.
Aligning with sustainability goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly technologies.
FAQs about Hyundai’s Export Milestone
When did Hyundai Motor India start exporting vehicles?
Hyundai began exporting vehicles from India in 1999. Over the past 25 years, the company has expanded its export operations to over 60 countries worldwide.
Which Hyundai model has been the most exported from India?
The Hyundai i10 family has been the highest exporting model, exceeding 1.5 million units. The Verna family has also been one of the strongest, with more than 500,000 units exported worldwide.
Where are the main export markets of Hyundai India in 2024?
The strongest export markets for Hyundai India in 2024 were Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Chile, and Peru. These countries have expressed strong demand for Hyundai cars.
How has Hyundai contributed to India’s economy through exports?
Hyundai’s exports have significantly contributed to India’s foreign exchange earnings. By exporting over 3.7 million vehicles, the company has helped position India as a key manufacturing hub in the global automotive industry.
What are Hyundai’s future plans for exports?
Hyundai plans to reinforce its export business by opening new markets, raising exports of electric vehicles, and setting up its manufacturing capability in India to address world demand.
Hyundai Motor India’s 25-year export journey has been nothing less than stellar. With more than 3.7 million vehicles exported across the world, the company not only established itself as India’s largest automobile exporter but also helped position the nation as a global manufacturing hub. With HMIL continuing to innovate and grow, its vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’ is still at the forefront, offering a future of smart mobility solutions for customers globally.
