Hyundai Motor India Rolls Out 7-Millionth Car

In 1996, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) had the privilege to become one of the early-comers in India. Back then, only a handful of automakers – Maruti Suzuki, Hindustan Motors, Premier, Tata and Mahindra – had some presence in the Indian automotive industry, which has grown multi-fold over the years. Daewoo had just one product on offer – the Cielo – and so did Ford, Opel and Honda. While Opel and Daewoo perished in India, Hyundai marched on to become the second-largest carmaker in India.

In 1998, Hyundai launched its first offering for the Indian auto industry – the Santro hatchback. It was one of the most popular cars India has ever seen and helped create a rock-solid image for the carmaker. Today, nearly 18 years down the line, HMIL has reached the milestone of rolling out the seven-millionth car from its production plant in Chennai. Do the math and you’ll see that the company has been rolling out one million cars every 18 months in India. (Although HMIL rolled out its one-millionth car – a Santro – back in 2006, it has grown substantially since then, and the South Korean carmaker produced six million cars in the next 10 years.) The seven-millionth car was a white Creta SUV with an automatic transmission. Y.K. Koo, the company’s MD and CEO, and Ganesh Mani S., the vice-president, drove it out of the factory floor.

Congratulating the employees for achieving this milestone, Koo said, “HMIL has always set new benchmarks in terms of quality and customer delight by introducing new products with new technology and design to the Indian market, demonstrating superior manufacturing prowess.  Our ‘Made in India’ products have impressed global and Indian customers alike. We now have to move to realize our vision as announced during our 20th year of foundation on May 6, 2016, of being the market leader, great place to work, most loved and trusted brand with modern premium brand essence to touch 10 million units within the first half of 2021. I thank each one for his commitment towards making Hyundai, the most loved and trusted brand in India.”

With this feat, HMIL has attained the second-best position – behind China – amongst its overseas peers in the Hyundai Motor Group.