Hyundai Motor Group’s owner family honored with major US award

From left, Hyundai Motor Group founder Chung Ju-yung, honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo and Executive Chair Chung Euisun / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun, founding Chairman Chung Ju-yung and honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo have been recognized with the Automotive News Centennial Award for their contributions to the global automotive industry.

On Sunday (local time), U.S. publication Automotive News named the Chung family leaders as key figures in advancing mobility, highlighting the achievements of the group’s automotive brands — Hyundai Motor, Kia and Genesis — which have seen major success under the executive chair’s leadership.

The award is part of Automotive News’ 100th anniversary celebrations and will be presented during the Automotive News Congress in Detroit on Sept. 11, where the executive chair will participate in a keynote discussion with Automotive News publisher KC Crain.

Other award recipients include Toyota Motor’s Toyoda family, represented by Chairman Akio Toyoda; Stellantis Chairman John Elkann; General Motors CEO Mary Barra; and Ford Motor Chairman William Clay Ford Jr.

Since becoming executive chair in October 2020, Chung Euisun has elevated Hyundai Motor Group to the ranks of the world’s top three automakers, building on the legacy of his father and grandfather. Guided by what the company describes as his bold vision, customer-focused leadership and transformative initiatives, he has propelled the group into one of the most ambitious and forward-looking players in global mobility.

“I am honored to receive this Automotive News Centennial Award and the recognition from such a respected voice in our industry,” the executive chair said.

“I have always believed that innovation must serve humanity, and that progress is only meaningful when it improves people’s lives. This recognition reflects the input and trust from our employees, partners and customers who inspire us to think boldly and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We remain committed to creating innovative, customer-focused and more sustainable solutions that enrich lives and drive progress for people and the planet.”

During his tenure, Hyundai has stepped up investments in electrification, hydrogen fuel cell technology, software-defined vehicles, robotics, autonomous driving and advanced air mobility. Under his leadership, Hyundai Motor and Kia have won 12 World Car Awards, including four consecutive World Car of the Year titles since 2022 with the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Hyundai IONIQ 6, Kia EV9 and, most recently, the Kia EV3.

Chung has also overseen the development of next-generation platforms, new design directions and customer-focused services that the company says will define the vehicles of tomorrow.

“For three generations, the Chung family has shaped the global automotive industry through vision, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” Crain said. He added that Chung is driving innovations under his vision of “Progress for Humanity” to secure the company’s lasting impact on global mobility.

Automotive News also credited the broader legacy of the Chung family. The late founding chairman, whose mantra was “nothing is impossible,” laid the foundation for Korea’s industrial rise and Hyundai’s emergence as a global player. His son, Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo, played a pivotal role in the group’s global expansion, helping Hyundai and Kia become household names worldwide for their quality, reliability and value.