What's in Hyundai CEO José Muñoz's Vision for the Future?

Hyundai’s senior leadership team has unveiled its ambitious growth strategy at the company’s CEO Investor Day, emphasising its commitment to product expansion, manufacturing excellence and technological innovation.

Speaking in New York, CEO José Muñoz set out the company’s transformation into a global mobility leader, reaffirming its commitment to achieving 5.5 million global vehicle sales by 2030, and highlighting goals around sustainability and manufacturing.

He said that electrified vehicles are expected to account for 60% of total sales, reaching 3.3 million units, with significant growth forecast in North America, Europe and Korea.

"In an industry facing unprecedented transformation, Hyundai is uniquely positioned to win through our unmatched combination of compelling products, manufacturing flexibility, technology leadership, outstanding dealer partners and global scale,” says José.

“We are delivering comprehensive electrified portfolios across all segments, localising production in key markets and leveraging breakthrough technologies from software-defined vehicles to next-generation batteries.”

Product portfolio expansion

José reinforced the company’s target of 5.55 million global vehicle sales by 2030, with sustainability goals of EVs reaching 3.3 million units by 2030, including over 18 new hybrid models.

Included in this growth is the launch of the company's first mid-size pickup truck within the next five years, aiming to target one of the largest segments in the industry.

The company's EV strategy also aims to target region-specific markets: the IONIQ 3 targets European mass-market customers with next-generation infotainment systems; India is receiving the country’s first EV designed specifically for local drivers, alongside a localised supply chain; and China is getting the locally produced Elexio SUV, marking a milestone in their Chinese market commitment.

Unlike conventional Extended Range EVs, Hyundai’s approach utilises in-house high-performance batteries, achieving full EV power performance with less than half the battery capacity.

These EREV models will launch in 2027, providing full electrification over a range of more than 600 miles.

Commitment to sustainability

These ambitions align with Hyundai’s ‘Progress to Humanity’ vision, which the company says “reflects our belief that advancing emissions-free mobility is not only sound business, but a shared responsibility to ensure cleaner air, stronger economies, and a better quality of life for future generations."

Discussing this ambition in the company's 2025 Sustainability report, José said: “Our commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy (RE100) across our businesses is taking shape through large-scale renewable energy purchase agreements in Korea, the US, and India. We’re also maximizing water recycling and working toward our ultimate goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.”

Advancing manufacturing capabilities 

Discussing Hyundai’s investment plan further, Jose outlined how Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) is set to reach a total production capacity of half a million units by 2028.

This expansion will create 3,000 direct and indirect jobs in Georgia, in the US, and involve a US$2.7bn investment over three years.

Hyundai aims to produce more than 80% of vehicles sold in the US domestically by 2030,  a move that will increase supply chain content from 60% to 80%.

Manufacturing excellence extends beyond volume increases through comprehensive software-defined factory implementation, which is when software plays a central role in controlling, optimising and automating the production process.

Luxury brand developments

Celebrating its 10 year anniversary and one million cumulative sales, Genesis, Hyundai's luxury brand, aims to reach 350,000 annual sales by 2030, says José.

The brand aims to expand its presence in up to 20 European markets while strengthening US based production and EREV launches, alongside targeting growth in the Middle East, Korea, China and emerging markets.

Hyundai's product vision includes luxury SUVs such as the X Gran equator concept and ultra-bespoke vehicles to elevate its luxury status.

Financial strategies

Speaking at the CEO Investor Day, Seung Jo (Scott) Lee, Hyundai’s CFO, outlined the company’s financial strategy, including an increase in target revenue by 5-6%.

The company also adjusted its OPM target to 6-7%, a decrease it says is due to US tariffs, and a KRW 77.3tn investment for research and development, capital expenditure and strategic investment.

In the next two years, Hyundai will implement a TSR policy of over 35% - achieved through a flexible combination of dividends, share buybacks and treasury stock cancellations.

CEO leadership goals and strategy

José’s ambitious growth strategy outlines a core company focus on electrification across all segments, localisation of products for improved responsiveness from key markets, manufacturing excellence through flexible automation in factories and customer-centric approach to ensure customer satisfaction.

Looking ahead atthe CEO Investor Day he said: “In an industry facing unprecedented transformation, Hyundai is uniquely positioned to win through our unmatched combination of compelling products, manufacturing flexibility, technology leadership, outstanding dealer partners and global scale.”

“We’re not just adapting to change - we’re leading it. Through our commitment to electrification, our investment in software-defined vehicles, our focus on manufacturing excellence, and our dedication to treating every customer like an honoured guest, we’re building the mobility company of the future.”