“To secure sustainable long-term business competitiveness, we must strengthen local research and development (R&D) capabilities and actively promote powertrain localization,” said Euisun Chung, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, during his visit to the R&D center for the Latin America region at Hyundai's Brazil plant on July 27 (local time). Chung's visit coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's state visit, as he accompanied a Korean economic delegation to Brazil.
Established in 2016, the Latin America R&D center has gradually expanded its responsibilities from initial tasks such as local vehicle certification and regulatory compliance. The center is continuously enhancing its local R&D capabilities by increasing its workforce and developing specialized skills for the Brazilian and Latin American markets.
During his visit to the production facility, Chung focused on the quality of the newly launched 'i20' and the representative sports utility vehicle (SUV) 'Creta.' He also commended local employees for achieving a significant milestone of 2.5 million units produced as of March this year.
“Reaching the 2.5 million production milestone in just 13 years is a testament to the dedication and teamwork of the employees at the Brazil plant,” Chung stated. “Brazil is a crucial market for Hyundai's global operations, and I deeply appreciate the achievements made so far.”
After touring the plant, Chung received operational reports and discussed long-term development strategies in production and sales. He acknowledged the challenges posed by changes in Brazil's industrial environment and new competitive dynamics, assuring that the company would provide comprehensive support for greater advancements in Brazil.
Chung emphasized the importance of fostering a culture that values fundamentals and principles, urging all members to work collaboratively and strengthen the brand's reputation as one that earns customer trust and affection.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group plans to invest a total of $1.1 billion by 2032 in eco-friendly sectors, including hydrogen, through its Brazilian subsidiary and local partners.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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