Hyundai has transitioned from a budget car manufacturer to a global automotive powerhouse, driven by a renewed focus on design, technology, and advanced mobility
. Recent accomplishments include record sales in the U.S., a string of international design awards, and significant advances in electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen technology, and robotics.
Electrification and performance
Hyundai and its luxury brand, Genesis, have earned numerous accolades for their innovative EVs and high-performance models.
- International awards: In 2024, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N was named World Performance Car, and the Kia EV9 won World Car of the Year, marking a third consecutive year of success at the World Car Awards for Hyundai Motor Group.
- “Car of the Year” accolades: The IONIQ 5 N was also named Car and Driver’s EV of the Year for 2024, continuing a streak that started with the IONIQ 5 in 2022 and IONIQ 6 in 2023.
- “Best Car for the Money” awards: For 2024, U.S. News & World Report gave its “Best Car for the Money” awards to the IONIQ 5 (Best EV), the Elantra Hybrid (Best Hybrid), and the Tucson (Best Compact SUV).
Design and heritage
Hyundai’s commitment to striking and innovative design has been recognized by leading global organizations.
- Top design awards: In 2024, Hyundai won multiple International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), including a Gold award for the IONIQ 5 N and a Bronze for the latest generation Santa Fe SUV.
- GOOD DESIGN recognition: Hyundai Motor and its Robotics LAB secured 17 GOOD DESIGN Awards across transportation, graphic design, and robotics, demonstrating design excellence across its products and services.
- “Pony” heritage project: A heritage collection book celebrating the original Hyundai Pony received the Curator’s Choice Award at IDEA 2024. This project traces the brand’s history and celebrates its 100 millionth cumulative vehicle produced globally in September 2024.
Future mobility and innovation
The company is aggressively expanding beyond traditional vehicle manufacturing to become a “Smart Mobility Solution Provider”.
- Autonomous driving and AI: A partnership with autonomous driving leader Waymo will see Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 integrated into the Waymo One fleet, with testing scheduled for late 2025. Hyundai is also collaborating with Nvidia to accelerate the development of AI for robotics and autonomous driving.
- Robotics and automation: Following its 2021 acquisition of Boston Dynamics, Hyundai plans to use humanoid robots like Atlas in its factories to improve safety and efficiency. Hyundai is also developing wearable robots, service robots, and an Automatic Charging Robot for EVs.
- Advanced air mobility (AAM): Through its subsidiary Supernal, Hyundai is developing electric AAM vehicles, which are expected to be in service by the 2030s.
Sustainability and corporate responsibility
Hyundai continues to receive high marks for its commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
- Hydrogen ecosystem: The brand is a leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, with a growing commercial lineup that includes the XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck. A partnership with PlusAI will produce an autonomous hydrogen fuel cell truck for commercial launch around 2027.
- Environmental stewardship: The company has partnered with Healthy Seas to recover abandoned fishing nets and other waste from oceans, with the recycled nylon used in its EVs.
- Commitment to carbon neutrality: Hyundai has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality across its global operations by 2045 and has been recognized with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores from global ratings agencies.
- Online car sales: Starting in 2024, Hyundai was the first brand to offer vehicles for purchase on Amazon.com.