AS RIVALS stumble in the face of unrealised EV ambitions, Hyundai is forging ahead in global markets by gearing up to annually sell 5.5 million cars within just five years.

It is looking for a boost to its electrified models and an expansion plan encompassing mid-size utes and light commercial vehicles.

Its ambition was outlined last week at its investor day, which was held in New York, marking the first time the car-maker had presented its latest news outside its South Korea home market.

Hyundai’s investor days are used to show its mid-term to long-term strategy to analysts, investors and shareholders, and the latest event included outlining product expansion, manufacturing plans and technological innovation.Company president and CEO José Muñoz said the company was transforming into a global mobility leader through strategic product expansion, breakthrough electrification technologies and software capabilities that will redefine the automotive experience.

Mr Muñoz said: “In an industry facing unprecedented transformation, Hyundai is uniquely positioned to win through our unmatched combination of compelling products, manufacturing flexibility, technology leadership, outstanding dealer partners and global scale.

“We are delivering comprehensive electrified portfolios across all segments, localizing production in key markets, and leveraging breakthrough technologies from software-defined vehicles to next-generation batteries. 

“Our ability to adapt quickly, combined with the power of Hyundai Motor Group’s 50-plus affiliates and our unwavering commitment to customers, will enable us to continue unlocking tremendous value for our stakeholders. It’s a great time to be with Hyundai.”

Hyundai said these commitments would achieve 5.55 million global vehicle sales by 2030, of which electrified vehicles are expected to account for 60 per cent of total sales – reaching 3.3 million units – with significant growth anticipated in North America, Europe and South Korea.

By comparison, Hyundai sold 4.2 million vehicles in 2024. In the same year, Toyota group (including Lexus) sold 10.2 million vehicles and Volkswagen Group totalled 8.95 million vehicles.

Along its pathway to 2030, Hyundai announced at the investor day that its 2025 financial guidance update raised revenue growth target to between 5 per cent and 6 per cent; adjusted operating profit margin to 6 to 7 percentage points; and that it would invest $A84b in the period 2026 to 2030.

Of that investment, $A16.65 billion would be allocated to expand production capacity and establish a robotics ecosystem in the US “as part of Hyundai’s $A39.5b commitment in the US.”

In its future outlook, it said it will expand its hybrid lineup to more than 18 models by 2030, including the introduction of Genesis hybrid models starting from 2026. 

The upcoming Hyundai Palisade Hybrid will also showcase next-generation TMED-II technology, offering enhanced performance and fuel efficiency.

Hyundai will also launch its first mid-size pickup truck before 2030 in North America, targeting one of the largest segments in the industry. 

It said that since launching the Santa Cruz in 2021, the company has gained valuable experience and brand presence, positioning it strongly to broaden its reach in the heart of the US market.

Hyundai’s EV strategy features regionally-tailored products designed for specific markets.

Hyundai CEO, José Muñoz

The company said that its Ioniq 3 will highlight the aim to target European mass-market customers with next-generation infotainment systems. 

“India will receive the country’s first EV designed specifically for local drivers, while the market will also benefit from a localized supply chain,” it said.

“China gets the locally-produced Elexio SUV and C-segment electric sedan, marking a major milestone in Hyundai’s Chinese market commitment.

“These additions will complement the existing EV lineup – including Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 9 – providing a full spectrum of options for consumers across diverse markets.”

Hyundai will also launch extended range EVs (EREVs) in 2027 that will use high-performance batteries and motors to deliver EV-like driving experiences with more than 960km of range through optimized battery-engine integration.

It said that unlike conventional EREVs, Hyundai’s approach uses in-house high-performance batteries “achieving full EV power performance with less than half the battery capacity, improving accessibility while maintaining exceptional range and performance, and eliminating range anxiety.”

The high-performance N lineup will expand to more than seven models by 2030, targeting over 100,000 global sales. 

It also said that the upcoming Ioniq 6 N “will introduce a new paradigm for high-performance EVs, featuring three temperature optimization modes and signature N sensory engagement technologies.”

“In the commercial vehicle segment, Hyundai will expand its portfolio in the North American market,” it said.

“This includes existing Xcient fuel-cell trucks (now being engineered for Australia in Queensland) and Hyundai Translead trailers, along with plans to enter the electrified large van market. 

“These offerings will leverage the company’s existing commercial vehicle production hubs to support sustainable logistics solutions.”

It also further confirmed its investment in the US and its position in manufacturing in the US, stating that its Metaplant America (known as HMGMA) will have a total production capacity of 500,000 units by 2028, focusing on hybrid and electric vehicles. 

“This expansion will create 3000 direct and indirect jobs in Georgia and involve a $A4.2b investment over three years,” it said.

“Hyundai aims to produce more than 80 per cent of vehicles sold in the US domestically by 2030, with supply chain content increasing from 60 per cent to 80 per cent.”

Globally, the company plans to accelerate its production capacity by adding 1.2 million units by 2030. This includes 500,000 additional units from HMGMA, 250,000 units from the Pune multi-model export hub in India, and 200,000 units from the dedicated EV plant in Ulsan.

In addition, completely knocked down CKD sites in Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, North Africa and other countries are expected to contribute another 250,000 units. Notably, the Saudi Arabia plant, scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026, will feature next-generation robotics and localised manufacturing under the “Saudi Made” initiative, with a production capacity of 50,000 units.

Hyundai said manufacturing excellence extends beyond volume increases through comprehensive Software-Defined Factory implementation. Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) continues cascading breakthrough technologies to global plants, achieving measurable improvements in production flexibility.

HMGMA is expected to produce a mix of 10 hybrid and EV models, while the new Ulsan EV plant in Korea will manufacture up to 12 EV models through advanced robot-based automation systems enabling predictive maintenance, digital simulation and self-diagnostics.

“Fully-owned Boston Dynamics will allow advances in core robotics technologies, enhancing operational excellence through intelligent automation and human-robot collaboration,” it said.

“This extends beyond manufacturing to logistics, smart infrastructure and future mobility applications.”

The company said that battery innovation remained a core focus for Hyundai with an ongoing program to enhance battery durability, cost efficiency and safety through a customer-centric design philosophy. 

“These advancements underscore the company’s leadership in battery technology and its commitment to delivering reliable and safe electrified vehicles,” it said.

“Hyundai’s battery strategy delivers industry-leading improvements by 2027: 30 per cent cost reduction, 15 per cent higher energy density and 15 per cent shorter charging times, dramatically strengthening EV competitiveness. 

“The company has analysed durability data from over 50,000 Ioniq 5 vehicles, including units driven more than 400,000km, showing most vehicles retain more than 90 per cent battery performance.”

Hyundai also leads the industry in fuel-cell technology, with 73,000 cumulative fuel-cell electric vehicle sales. The company is developing next-generation fuel cell systems for commercial-exclusive applications, offering high efficiency, durability and power output to meet the demands of future mobility.

Hyundai is also accelerating its transition to software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

At the core of the company’s SDV strategy is Pleos, an in-vehicle distributed operating system that enables rapid software updates, personalised feature enhancements and a safer, more flexible driving experience. 

“With hardware and software separated, Pleos provides a highly flexible plug-and-play environment that supports diverse hardware solutions and accelerates the implementation of security and feature updates,” it said.

“Hyundai will begin rolling out Pleos Connect, its next-generation infotainment system, starting in the second quarter next year. 

“Key features include multi-window functionality, user profile-based personalization and an in-vehicle marketplace for third-party apps, creating new service-based revenue opportunities.”

Investors were told that Genesis has reached one million cumulative sales in less than eight years and maintains double-digit profit margins across more than 20 global markets, solidifying its position as a top-tier premium automotive brand.

Genesis aims to reach 350,000 annual sales by 2030, expanding its presence in the US, Europe, the Middle East, Korea, China and emerging markets. 

Its product vision includes luxury SUVs such as the X Gran Equator and Neolun concepts, the X Gran Coupe Concept, and Magma Halo.

Genesis Magma Racing will debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2026 and IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2027, channeling racing technology breakthroughs into the complete Genesis portfolio.

Hyundai also said it would accelerate market penetration and technology development by “transformative alliances.”

“The collaboration with Waymo includes Ioniq 5 prototypes which have completed inspection and been delivered for public road testing in the US this year,” it said.

“These vehicles feature Waymo’s fully autonomous driving technology, marking a significant milestone in Hyundai’s autonomous mobility strategy.

“A strategic alliance with General Motors includes five co-developed vehicles launching as early as 2028. Hyundai Motor expects annual sales of these models to exceed 800,000 units once production is fully scaled.”

The GM partnership would include electric commercial vans for the North American market, as well as compact vehicles, compact SUVs and compact and midsize trucks for Central and South America, leveraging GM’s expertise and Hyundai’s manufacturing capabilities.

“Hyundai Motor’s partnership with Amazon Autos is enhancing brand awareness, boosting sales conversion and leveraging Amazon’s high customer satisfaction to reach new audiences,” it said.

“The collaboration also improves dealer profitability through new financing options, accessory offerings and enhanced offline sales visibility. 

“This initiative supports the company’s goal of modernising the customer journey and expanding its presence in the online automotive marketplace.”

Hyundai president and CEO Mr Munoz said: “We’re not just adapting to change – we’re leading it.”

“Through our commitment to electrification, our investment in software-defined vehicles, our focus on manufacturing excellence, and our dedication to treating every customer like an honoured guest, we’re building the mobility company of the future.”