Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun inspects the production line with employees at Hyundai Motor&#39;s Chennai plant in India on Monday &#40;Hyundai Motor Group and Kia&#41; 2026.1.14 / News1

Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, has embarked on a hands-on management approach by visiting the company's facilities in India. During his tour, he assessed local production and sales conditions while exploring long-term development strategies. Chung emphasized the importance of implementing a home-brand strategy to elevate Hyundai's status as a national company for the Indian people.

This visit follows his recent participation in a Korea-China business forum and attendance at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, demonstrating Chung's aggressive management approach to bolster the group's position in major economic regions at the start of the new year.

Hyundai Motor Group reported that from Monday to Tuesday, Chung visited the Hyundai Chennai plant, Kia Anantapur plant, and Hyundai Pune plant, where he refined growth strategies for the local market.

On Monday, after receiving a business briefing at the Chennai plant, Chung toured the Creta production line and the Hyundai Mobis battery system assembly (BSA) plant. He reflected on Hyundai's 30-year journey of growth, nurtured by the support of the Indian people, and underscored the importance of pursuing a home-brand strategy that envisions another three decades of success as a national company.

Chung also stressed the need to leverage Hyundai's core strengths, such as vehicle quality and customer-centric service, while fostering a corporate culture that embraces innovation and isn't deterred by setbacks.

Later that day at the Kia Anantapur plant, Chung reviewed Kia's production and sales strategies. He urged the team to set ambitious goals and strive for excellence in branding, product quality, and overall performance. Chung encouraged the company to harness its agile DNA, emphasizing the importance of quick recovery from failures and swift action towards goals to ensure robust growth and brand strength.

On Tuesday, Chung's focus shifted to the production quality of the new Venue at the Hyundai Pune plant. He highlighted the plant's significance as a strategic production hub in India and its role in boosting local employment and economic growth.

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun inspected the production line at Kia&#39;s Anantapur plant in India with employees on Monday &#40;Provided by Hyundai Motors and Kia&#41; 2026.1.14 / News1

Hyundai Motor Group aims to cement its position as a key player in the Indian mobility market through a three-pronged strategy: establishing a 1.5 million vehicle production capacity, implementing a flexible product lineup, and developing an electrification ecosystem.

With the Pune plant now fully operational, the company is expanding its production capabilities while actively addressing the sport utility vehicle (SUV) market demand. This includes ramping up Venue production and introducing new models like the Seltos and Sorento. The Venue's production is set to start at 170,000 units annually, with plans to increase to 250,000 units by 2028. The completion of the Pune plant brings Hyundai Motor Group's total production capacity in India to 1.5 million vehicles, combining outputs from Chennai (824,000 units) and Anantapur (431,000 units) plants.

To capitalize on the burgeoning electric vehicle market, the group is working to secure local production capabilities for crucial components such as battery cells, battery packs, and power electronics, while also localizing its electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.

Earlier in January, Chung visited Beijing to explore strategic partnerships with local firms and assess the rapidly evolving Chinese market. During a Korea-China business forum at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, coinciding with President Lee Jae Myung's state visit, Chung discussed comprehensive collaborations in mobility, hydrogen, batteries, and technology sectors.

Chung engaged in substantive talks with CATL Chairman Zeng Yuqun about battery technology, a critical component for EVs. He also exchanged insights on hydrogen business prospects with Sinopec Chairman Hou Qijun. Additionally, Chung met with Zhang Naiwen, chairman of Yueda Group, Kia's joint venture partner in China, to reinforce their collaborative ties.

To boost its presence in the Chinese market, Hyundai plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup to six models by 2030. Kia aims to introduce at least one new electric vehicle annually in China from 2023 through 2027, starting with the EV6.

Following his China visit, Chung attended CES 2026 in Las Vegas from January 6 to 7, the world's premier tech showcase. There, he explored advancements in AI and robotics while meeting with tech industry leaders, including Jensen Huang Nvidia's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Akash Palkhiwala Qualcomm Incorporated Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Hyundai Motor Group and Nvidia are expanding their partnership, including a deal for 50,000 Blackwell graphic processing units (GPUs). They're also establishing an Nvidia artificial intelligence (AI) technology center in Korea, following a recent agreement to enhance domestic AI capabilities. This initiative aims to cultivate a robust AI ecosystem, advancing technologies in vehicle AI, autonomous driving, manufacturing efficiency, and robotics.

The Global Leaders Forum (GLF), held during CES, brought together Hyundai Motor Group's top executives to discuss long-term strategies and visions, underscoring the company's commitment to shaping future innovation strategies.

Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, has embarked on a hands-on management appr …

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