By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    Maserati enthrals at FuoriConcorso with GT2 Stradale and MCXtrema
    May 14, 2025
    Leapmotor presents its range at Automobile Barcelona, Spain
    May 14, 2025
    Alfa Romeo sporting glory dominates “Fuori Concorso”
    May 13, 2025
    Market Art Fair Stockholm and BMW Sweden present Gregor Hildebrandt as artist for BMW Art Commission 2025
    May 13, 2025
    Driving Trade Forward: AfCFTA, AGOA,BRICS and the Tariffs – All On The Menu At Automechanika CEO Breakfast
    May 9, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    Desmo450 MX: Production of the first Ducati Motocross bike begins
    May 28, 2025
    25YM Honda NC750X
    May 13, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RS
    May 2, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RT
    April 30, 2025
    Honda NC750X Named Winner in 2025 Red Dot Design Award
    April 10, 2025
  • News
    NewsShow More
    Toyota Mobility Foundation announces five finalists for $3 million Venice Sustainable Cities Challenge
    May 29, 2025
    Mazda Production and Sales Results for April 2025
    May 29, 2025
    Nissan production, sales, and exports for April 2025
    May 29, 2025
    Honda Production, Sales and Export Results for April, 2025
    May 29, 2025
    Škoda Auto marks 55 years since production of the Skopak began in Pakistan
    May 29, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    FIAT unveils the manifesto Grande Panda 4×4
    May 20, 2025
    Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept makes its global debut at Roland-Garros 2025
    May 16, 2025
    Hyundai Motor and Plus Unveil Concept for Autonomous Hydrogen Freight Ecosystem at ACT Expo 202
    May 2, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Unveils the new IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line
    April 5, 2025
    Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play
    April 4, 2025
  • Interviews
    InterviewsShow More
    Kosmas “Dudie” Mamaloukos – The Formidable Racing Talent
    May 15, 2025
    Hi-Range Safari City
    Hi-Range Safari City – The Premier outfitter for 4×4 customization
    May 15, 2025
    BEHIND THE SCENES: ARCHIE RUTHERFORD ON WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING THE W2RC TO SOUTH AFRICA
    May 9, 2025
    Europe and China’s automotive future in a shifting global order
    May 5, 2025
    Sourcing Guide Right-Hand Drive American SUVs and Pickup Trucks in Africa
    April 29, 2025
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    SEAT S.A. moves towards electric car production in Martorell
    May 29, 2025
    Polestar 3 wins Best EV SUV and Luxury Car of the Year awards
    May 29, 2025
    All-New Nissan MICRA EV debuts ahead of European launch
    May 28, 2025
    BMW Group and Solid Power are testing all-solid-state battery cells in a BMW i7
    May 20, 2025
    Toyota Debuts Stylish, Powerful 2026 C-HR Battery Electric Vehicle
    May 18, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    43rd Rally Due Valli: Lancia Ignites Verona with a High-Tension Challenge
    May 29, 2025
    Lærke Rønn, Alexia Danielsson, Rasmus Vendelbo, Porsche Sprint Challenge Scandinavia, 2025, Porsche AG
    The schoolgirl who’s just won her debut GT race
    May 28, 2025
    Porsche with new qualifying record and ongoing points streak ahead of China
    May 28, 2025
    Nissan Formula E Team looking to reinforce championship lead in Shanghai
    May 28, 2025
    Opel Mokka GSE Rally: A New Star in Electric Rallying
    May 28, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    MAN development team for autonomous driving is ‘Engineering Team of the Year’
    May 29, 2025
    Scania to start deliveries of new electric buses to northern Sweden
    May 29, 2025
    From left to right: Jens Böther, Regional Council; Nikolas Wenzel, Managing Director of MOIN; Claudia Kalisch, Mayor of Lüneburg; Alex Meier, Depot Manager; Nils Richert, Daimler Buses
    Daimler Buses builds a completely new electric bus depot for a customer for the first time
    May 28, 2025
    600 km range and superfast charging – meet Volvo’s new electric truck
    May 20, 2025
    Vandijck Transport tests the eActros 600 on a long-haul route of over 1,500 kilometers
    Vandijck Transport tests the eActros 600 
    May 18, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    GR Supra pushes performance limits with A90 Final Edition and Lightweight EVO
    May 28, 2025
    The new BMW M2 CS
    May 28, 2025
    Defender upgraded: The unstoppable 4×4 is now even more distinctive 
    May 28, 2025
    From vision to Veyron: the evolution of a Bugatti icon
    May 17, 2025
    The new Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series
    May 13, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    VNC Automotive Partners with P3 to Enhance the SPARQ OS Platform
    May 29, 2025
    Artificial intelligence: Audi boosts production efficiency
    May 28, 2025
    Greater efficiency and productivity with artificial intelligence – generative AI in BMW Group Purchasing
    May 19, 2025
    Aston Martin debuts Apple CarPlay Ultra for iPhone users
    May 16, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz customers in Germany can now purchase and pay for e-Vignettes directly from their vehicle
    May 15, 2025
Hot News
SEAT S.A. moves towards electric car production in Martorell
Toyota Mobility Foundation announces five finalists for $3 million Venice Sustainable Cities Challenge
43rd Rally Due Valli: Lancia Ignites Verona with a High-Tension Challenge
Polestar 3 wins Best EV SUV and Luxury Car of the Year awards
Mazda Production and Sales Results for April 2025
Latest News

Chery launches LEPAS brand with L8 luxury SUV

Electric Vehicles

Isuzu begins production of D-MAX EV pickup truck in Thailand

Latest News

Škoda Auto launches in Oman

Reviews

Introducing the all-new Volkswagen Tayron

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Latest News

Hyundai Motor Advances Electrification Vision with New EV-dedicated Plant in Ulsan

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: November 14, 2023 16:40
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
622 Views
18 Min Read
Share
18 Min Read
SHARE
  • Hyundai Motor holds groundbreaking ceremony at its plant complex in Ulsan where Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung established the company’s first major manufacturing base more than 50 years ago
  • The new EV plant to build on Hyundai Motor’s brand heritage while laying the foundation for the company’s growth in the era of electrification
  • New plant to occupy 548,000 m2 site with capacity to produce 200,000 EVs per year
  • Approx. KRW 2 trillion ($1.53 billion) to be invested in the project, which will begin full-scale construction in Q4 2023 with mass production commencing in Q1 2026
  • People-centric plant to utilize innovative manufacturing platforms, with optimal working conditions for safety and efficiency
  • Groundbreaking ceremony includes brand heritage exhibition, commemorating more than half a century of history at Hyundai Ulsan Plant

Hyundai Motor Company today held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new electric vehicle (EV) plant at its complex in Ulsan, the heart of Korea’s automotive industry. The new EV-dedicated plant will lay the foundation for future growth in the era of electrification while building on the dream first established by Hyundai Motor’s Founding Chairman more than half a century ago.

The new EV-dedicated plant will be a human-centered facility with an innovative manufacturing platform that delivers an optimal working environment for employees. The new plant will also be the hub for Hyundai Motor’s mobility production in the era of electrification. With the new plant, Hyundai Motor’s Ulsan Plant complex will become a base of future mobility production.

- Advertisement -
Ad image

At the new plant, Hyundai Motor will actively advance its 56-year brand heritage, automotive business know-how and technological capabilities, and will continue to innovate for the benefit of humanity in the era of vehicle electrification based on people-centered humanism.

Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group; Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company; and Dong-seock Lee, Executive Vice President, Chief Safety Officer and Head of Domestic Productions for Hyundai Motor Company, attended the ceremony. They were joined by dignitaries, including Ulsan Metropolitan City Mayor, Doo-gyeom Kim, and First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Youngjin Jang.

“The new EV-dedicated Plant in Ulsan is the beginning of a promising future for the next 50 years and the era of electrification. I am honored to share our dream of a 100-year company here,” said Executive Chair Chung. “Just as the dream of building the best car in the past made Ulsan an automotive city today, Hyundai will work together to make Ulsan an innovative mobility city that leads the way in the era of electrification, starting with a dedicated EV plant.”

In his congratulatory remarks, First Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Young-jin Jang said, “I believe that Hyundai Motor will stand out as a powerhouse in the electric vehicle era with decisive investments. The government will prioritize supporting the improvement of the business investment environment, including bold tax incentives and eliminate regulations that inhibit economic growth.

“When Hyundai Motor first produced cars in Ulsan, it was criticized as a reckless challenge, but the challenge and the blood and sweat of its employees created the world’s third-largest automaker,” said Young-jin Jang, First Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. “Based on this investment in a dedicated EV plant, we will support Hyundai Motor to write a new mythology in the era of electric vehicles.”

New EV plant reflects ambition to provide a better life and deliver sustainability mobility

The new EV plant in Ulsan builds on the vision of Hyundai Motor’s Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung (1915-2001), who believed the car industry would become the cornerstone of the Korean economy and underpin the country’s industrial development. More than half a century ago, he chose Ulsan as the location to help to create a better outlook and realize Korea’s mobility dreams. Now, the new EV plant will build on that legacy with a global impact.

“We have the world’s greatest strength, and that strength is the world’s best craftsmen. I am confident that thanks to their ability and dedication, Korean cars, our cars, will soon take the world by storm.” the Founding Chairman said historically.

His famous quote was reproduced through artificial intelligence (AI) technology and shared at the groundbreaking ceremony, demonstrating the humanistic spirit of Hyundai Motor and representing the long-held dream of its employees to become a global automotive powerhouse.

Beginning as an assembly plant in 1968, Hyundai Motor’s Ulsan Plant grew by leaps and bounds in an incredibly short period of time. The mass production of Hyundai Motor’s first unique model, the Pony, in 1975 demonstrated the unrelenting determination and incredible drive of the company’s employees to realize South Korea’s first independently developed automobile. They achieved this despite the harsh domestic environment and skepticism, driven by a grand dream of introducing Korean cars to the global market.

The Pony’s mass production was also a catalyst for technological independence, leading to localization of automotive parts production where the company had been previously reliant on overseas markets. It also led to the development of domestic automobile production technology.

In addition, Honorary Chairman Mong-Koo Chung’s prioritization of quality management became the source of Hyundai Motor’s transformation into a global brand that could leave its mark on the global automotive industry beyond South Korea.

More than half a century later, Hyundai Ulsan Plant is the largest single plant in the world, the center of the company’s finished vehicle production and the birthplace of the Korean automotive industry.

A dedicated human-centered EV plant keeping humanism alive in the age of electrification

In line with the humanistic objectives of its Founding Chairman, Hyundai Motor will continue to advance its vision for mobility.

The EV-dedicated facility will be Hyundai Motor’s first new plant in Korea in 29 years, following the opening of the Asan plant in 1996. The dedicated EV plant will lead the electrification era, provide products that exceed customer expectations and strengthen the domestic industry base.

Hyundai Motor’s human-centered values of providing people with the experience of free movement and striving for harmonious coexistence are not only directed at customers, but also at employees who make Hyundai Motor vehicles.

Reflecting this, the new EV-dedicated plant in Ulsan will be equipped with innovative production facilities, create an optimal working environment for employees and a space for coexistence with nature, and present itself as a people-centered plant that will lead the next 50 years.

“For the past half century, Hyundai’s Ulsan Plant has evolved as technicians on the production line have learned, created and challenged new things,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Inheriting the heritage of the Ulsan Plant, which has turned grand dreams into reality through the power of people, Hyundai will do its best to become the first mover in the electrification era with the pride and responsibility to create mobility innovations for people.”

EV plant to supercharge next-generation mobility

Hyundai Motor’s new EV-dedicated plant in Ulsan will form part of a 548,000 m2 site with a capacity to produce 200,000 EVs per year. Approximately KRW 2 trillion ($1.53 billion) will be invested in the project, with full-scale construction set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. The construction is scheduled to be completed in 2025, and vehicle mass production will commence in the first quarter of 2026. An electric SUV from Hyundai Motor Group luxury brand, Genesis, will be the first model to be produced at the new plant.

The dedicated EV plant in Ulsan will be located on the site of Hyundai Motor’s former proving ground, a place where the company looked to the future and shaped innovation.

The proving ground was first utilized in the 1980s, when the company was actively seeking to expand into overseas markets, developing vehicles that could withstand the diverse terrains and harsh climates found around the world.

In this historic place, Hyundai Motor developed such high-quality global models as Sonata, Accent and Elantra (badged Avante in South Korea). It was on this site that advanced technology research for EVs and autonomous driving began early on, with the dream of creating world-class vehicles.

In 1991, Hyundai Motor’s first EV prototype, Sonata (Y2) EV, was developed, and the following year, the first driverless car successfully completed its initial test drive on the Belgian Road test track.

The comprehensive engineering test center, where many of Hyundai Motor’s vehicles were born and where the seeds for future vehicle research were sown, bore fruit with EVs, such as IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, which have been recognized for their technological excellence around the world.

New plant to feature an innovative manufacturing platform and eco-friendly environment

Hyundai Motor plans to apply an innovative manufacturing platform that was developed by the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore (HMGICS) at its dedicated EV plant in Ulsan to future-proof the facility and prioritize employee safety, convenience and efficiency.

HMGICS’ manufacturing innovation platform includes demand-driven, AI-based intelligent control systems; eco-friendly, low-carbon construction methods to achieve carbon neutrality and RE100 certification (100 percent renewable energy use); and human-friendly facilities that enable safe, efficient working.

Hyundai Motor will use this to build a smart logistics system, including automated parts logistics, at the new EV plant. It will introduce a flexible production system to diversify vehicle models, respond to global market changes and automate assembly facilities to improve productivity and quality.

The company plans to create a safer, more accurate and efficient workplace with innovative technologies, such as robotics, smart logistics systems and AI to improve the working environment. A nature-friendly space design, breaking away from the closed image that comes to mind when thinking of a conventional plant will help realize the next-generation manufacturing philosophy as a cradle of eco-friendly future mobility production.

The new EV-dedicated plant will feature a nature-friendly design to reduce worker fatigue and encourage interaction with each other, a departure from the dreary factory environment of heavy machinery.

Natural light will be maximized inside the factory so that workers can feel the warmth of the sun, and the group lounge, which will be used as a rest and office space, will be organized in an open format so that people can gather naturally.

In addition, the plant’s Central Park, which brings the nature of Ulsan into the facility, is expected to become a rest area and a hub connecting each building.

In addition, solar power panels and upcycled concrete panels will be applied to the building façade, making it a sustainable plant that minimizes carbon emissions.

Groundbreaking ceremony reflects the company’s past, present and future

Hyundai Motor organized a groundbreaking ceremony to reflect on the past, present and future of the Ulsan Plant.

The groundbreaking ceremony, which began with a video featuring an AI-generated voiceover by Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung, reflected on Hyundai Motor’s humanistic spirit and demonstrated the company’s commitment to people-centered innovation and its brand vision, ‘Progress for Humanity.’

Following Executive Chair Chung’s greetings, a panel discussion with Head of Domestic Production Dong-seock Lee introduced the key features and vision for the new EV-dedicated plant, which will be created as a ‘space for people.’

The ceremony, which concluded the event, was based on the concept of ‘Portal to Another Dream,’ and conveyed the message that Hyundai Motor will lead the EV era by linking the Ulsan Plant’s past, present and future.

Former Vice Chairman Yeo-chul Yoon, former Vice Chairman Eok-jo Kim and former President Gap-han Yoon, who contributed to the development of the Ulsan Plant, attended the ceremony.

Also present was legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who penned many of Hyundai Motor’s first independent models, including the Pony and Pony Coupe concept, as well as the Pony Excel, Presto, Stella and the first- and second-generation Sonata.

In celebration of the groundbreaking ceremony, Hyundai Motor is also hosting a heritage exhibition consisting of three themes: ‘The Beginning of a Dream,’ ‘The Realization of a Dream’ and ‘Our Dream, Dreams Ever Dreamt,’ to look back on the past 50 years of the Ulsan Plant.

The first theme, ‘The Beginning of a Dream,’ features a restored Cortina, the first vehicle produced by the Ulsan Plant, and documents related to the establishment of the plant and the construction of the Gyeongbu Expressway. It also highlights the first steps of Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung’s dream that began in Ulsan and spread with the development of national industry beyond the automotive sector.

The second theme, ‘The Realization of the Dream,’ visualizes the development of the Ulsan Plant, achieving the accolade of the world’s largest single automobile plant. It covers the construction of the Ulsan General Automobile Plant, the birth of the national car, the Pony, the construction of a dedicated export dock and the completion of a vehicle test facility.

In addition, Hyundai Motor’s EV prototype, Sonata (Y2) EV, is on display to show the seeds of employees’ efforts to create the world’s best cars, from internal combustion engines to eco-friendly vehicles.

The final section, ‘Our Dream, Dreams Ever Dreamt,’ contains stories about the evolution of Hyundai Motor’s Ulsan Plant and the employees who have been part of it. Employee artefacts from those who created the Ulsan Plant are on display, such as the paycheck envelopes they collected over time, employee certificates and handwritten notes for quality development.

The exhibition will be open to the public at the Heritage Hall of the Ulsan Plant’s Culture Center from January next year.

“The Ulsan Plant is the world’s largest single plant, established in 1968 with the grand dream of providing the world’s best automobile,” said Sung-won Jee, Head of Brand Marketing Division, Hyundai Motor Company. “Through this groundbreaking ceremony, we aim to trace our journey with the Ulsan Plant, which was built by tens of thousands of individuals who have propelled us to today’s achievements. They are also at the heart of our expedition into the electrifying era of electric vehicles.”

Jee added, “Through the new EV-dedicate plant in Ulsan, we will strive to advance our mobility solutions for everyone by leading the paradigm of future automobile production.”

TAGGED:Electric vehicleHyundai Motor CompanyUlsan

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You Might Also Like

Latest News

Hyundai Motor Reports May 2023 Global Sales

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
June 1, 2023
Concepts

Hyundai Motor Unveils ‘NPX1’ Concept Model at Tokyo Auto Salon

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
January 12, 2024
Latest News

Hyundai Motor and Kia to Introduce Blockchain-based Carbon Emission Monitoring System

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
July 28, 2023
Reviews

Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 Lineup Gets a Boost with Enhanced Features and New N Line Model

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
March 4, 2024
Technology

Hyundai launches Nano Cooling Film to chill hot cars

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 24, 2024
Latest News

Hyundai GRANDEUR and Urban E-Pit win Red Dot Design Awards

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 24, 2023

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Made by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2023

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner