The World’s Greatest Auto Disruptors 2022 program evolved from the Newsweek America’s 50 Greatest Disruptors – a list of visionaries, innovators and pioneers – introduced in 2021.
Newsweek’s latest award category recognises agents of change in the automotive industry who are using technology in ways that will profoundly and positively impact people’s lives.
One of six awards conferred at the event, ‘Visionary of the Year’, is given to a leader who is taking significant actions to shape the future of the automotive industry now and over the next 30 years.
Newsweek recognised Mr Chung for his significant role in the rise of Hyundai and Kia in the global automotive industry.
Mr Chung was president of Kia from 2005 to 2009 before becoming vice chair and then executive vice chair of the group, with responsibility for diverse affiliate companies in the automotive, steel and construction industries, including Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation.
He was inaugurated as executive chair of Hyundai Motor Group in October 2020.
Newsweek said that under Mr Chung’s leadership and bold vision for the future, the group is redefining what is possible in mobility, and providing greater freedom of movement for humanity through vehicle electrification, robotics and advanced air mobility (AAM).
Newsweek global editor in chief Nancy Cooper said: “Today’s leading automakers are pushing the boundaries in ways that keep us moving and also capture the imagination.
“The disruptors on this list deserve to be recognised for pushing the industry forward, as well as for their leadership in responding to the challenges brought on by the pandemic.”
Mr Chung said: “On behalf of everyone at Hyundai Motor Group, I would like to thank Newsweek for these three prestigious awards.
“They reflect the hard work of all our people and business partners, who are focused on transforming the group into a smart mobility solutions provider with sustainability at the core of what we do. Their dedication to making disruptive technologies a reality is why I am here to share this honour.”
He added: “I have always believed cars are a way to connect people. There’s nothing more human than the insatiable desire to explore, to imagine and to make progress. Mobility quite literally brings people together. And when we work together, human beings are capable of extraordinary things.”
Hyundai won three out of the six awards given at the World’s Greatest Auto Disruptors 2022 event, with ‘Research and Development Team of the Year’ and ‘Powertrain Evolution of the Year’.
The group’s vehicle architecture development centre was awarded ‘Research and Development Team of the Year’ for developing electric-global modular platform (E-GMP), and the group’s electrified propulsion technology unit was awarded ‘Powertrain Evolution of the Year’ for developing an 800-volt battery system.
Hyundai is also accelerating its deployment of robotics and AAM technologies and exploring their role in future smart city development through its robotics affiliate Boston Dynamics.
For autonomous driving, the group is working through Motional, a joint venture with Aptiv, to develop revolutionary yet safe autonomous driving technology that will be showcased through the IONIQ 5 robotaxi to be commercialised in 2023.
The group’s affiliate Supernal will develop electrified advanced air mobility (AAM) by 2028 for use in urban areas. While adding a new dimension to mobility, it is also aimed at revolutionising how people and society move, connect and live.
In addition to electrification, Hyundai is also actively creating a hydrogen energy ecosystem, working with external partners and acquiring key capabilities such as power generation through the use of fuel cells.
By Neil Dowling
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