What is CEO José Muñoz’s Strategic Vision for Hyundai?

At Hyundai Motor Company’s 2025 Leaders Talk, President and CEO José Muñoz brought together employees worldwide to share his vision for 2026 and beyond. 

Speaking from Hyundai’s Gangnam office in Seoul, he reflected on a transformative first year at the helm, emphasising how the company’s resilience and adaptability have powered its progress. 

Under José’s guidance, Hyundai has reinforced its focus on agility, transparency and collaboration across markets. 

The event also showcased his conviction that leadership is rooted in shared purpose and open communication. 

José said: “As I reflect on my first year as CEO, I'm grateful for the dedication and resilience of our global team. 

“The automotive industry is transforming faster than ever, but I've never been more confident in our ability to navigate what’s ahead. Our success in 2025 proved that adapting is truly part of our DNA.” 

Entering 2026, he called on employees to lead with confidence and unity to continue the company’s growth.

Building on three pillars

Hyundai’s direction for 2026 centres on three pillars: resilience, adaptability and cross-functional alignment. 

José describes these as “key strengths to confidently lead future mobility”.

Reflecting on how Hyundai has navigated a complex year, he credited the talent and determination of its global workforce for helping the company “achieve outstanding results while managing complexity”.

By aligning its global strategy and reinforcing operational excellence, Hyundai is positioning itself to lead with both purpose and precision. 

“Looking toward 2026 and beyond,” José said, “our strength lies in the quality and safety of our products, the flexibility of our strategy across powertrains and markets, and most importantly, the talent and commitment of our people.”

Electrification and innovation driving growth

Hyundai’s drive toward electrification is at the forefront of its long-term vision. 

By 2030, the company aims to reach 5.55 million global vehicle sales, with electrified models representing 60% of total volume. 

Building on 2025’s progress, the company’s luxury vehicle brand Genesis is leading this evolution, with hybrid and extended-range models debuting in 2026. 

The new GV60 Magma, Genesis’s first high-performance vehicle, symbolises this next chapter of sustainable luxury. 

The company says its collaboration with Amazon has driven a 41% boost in dealer engagement, while ongoing projects with Waymo and GM are advancing vehicle co-development and real-world testing. 

José said that these partnerships “position us to lead the future of mobility".

Competing and innovative globally

Hyundai’s strategic focus extends beyond technology to competing effectively in global markets. 

Yeongho Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Operations, says: “We are responding to new competitors with differentiated service experiences, strategic financial partnerships and a strengthened eco-friendly powertrain portfolio.” 

At the same time, the company is investing deeply in workforce development. Hae In Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of HR, explains: “In the age of AI, deep and broad expertise is essential. 

“We’re investing in global HRD frameworks like H-SENSE and career solution maps to help employees expand their capabilities.

“At Hyundai, growth through work – particularly on global and cross-functional projects – offers a distinctive opportunity, as the company’s success is intrinsically linked to the growth of its people.”

From vision to values

Closing the event, José reflected on the larger mission that is driving the company's growth strategy, saying: “Our Executive Chair’s ‘Progress for Humanity’ vision is a commitment to make mobility safer, more sustainable and more accessible for everyone.

“That starts with how we treat each other, how we serve our customers and how we show up in our communities every day."

Centred on people as the driving force behind innovation, Hyundai’s journey toward 2026 is not only about expanding its technological edge, but leading with purpose, building confidence and redefining what progress means in a changing world.