Hyundai Motor America is marking the 40th anniversary of its first vehicle sale in the United States, a Hyundai Excel sold Feb. 19, 1986. Over four decades, the company expanded from 161 dealerships to more than 855 nationwide, delivered more than 17 million vehicles to U.S. customers, and sold more than 900,000 vehicles in 2025.

José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said the company’s growth reflects its long-term investment in the U.S. market and its partnerships with employees, dealers and customers.

Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, said Hyundai continues expanding its investments in U.S. manufacturing, research and development, and dealer networks as it looks ahead to future mobility technologies.

Four Decades of Milestones and U.S. Investment

Hyundai’s growth in the United States includes expanded product offerings, manufacturing investment and workforce development.

Product Innovation

From the 1986 Excel to the 2026 IONIQ 9, Hyundai has expanded from a single model to a broad lineup of sedans, SUVs, performance vehicles and electrified options. Current models include:

• Sonata

• Elantra

• Venue

• Kona

• Santa Fe

• Tucson

• Santa Cruz

• Palisade

• IONIQ EV lineup

Hyundai also introduced the N performance brand in 2015 and the Genesis luxury brand as part of its portfolio expansion.

U.S. Investment and Manufacturing Excellence

Hyundai Motor America is part of Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Motor Group, which reports investing $20.5 billion in the United States since 1986 and supporting more than 570,000 American jobs.

• Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama opened in Montgomery in 2005 and produces models including Sonata, Elantra, Tucson, Santa Fe and Santa Cruz.

• Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America near Savannah opened in 2025 to support electrified vehicle production.

• Hyundai Motor Group plans an additional $26 billion in U.S. investment between 2025 and 2028.

• By 2030, Hyundai expects more than 80% of vehicles sold in the U.S. to be built domestically.

Quality and Reliability

Hyundai introduced its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty in 1998. Programs such as Hyundai Assurance and the Hyundai Owner Assurance program expanded customer support offerings, including roadside assistance and additional service coverage.

Design, Safety and Engineering Excellence

Hyundai operates several U.S. facilities focused on vehicle design, safety testing and engineering, including:

• Hyundai Design and Technical Center

• Hyundai Proving Grounds

• Safety Test and Investigation Laboratory (STIL)

• Hyundai America Technical Center

The company reported having more 2025 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety awards than any other brand.

• Eight Hyundai models earned Top Safety Pick+ awards, including the 2025 IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and Tucson; 2025–26 Elantra (built after October 2024); Sonata (built after November 2024); Kona; Santa Fe (built after November 2024); and the 2026 IONIQ 9.

• Two Hyundai models earned Top Safety Pick awards: the 2026 Palisade and 2026 Santa Cruz.

Hyundai vehicles have also received multiple National Highway Traffic Safety Administration five-star crash test ratings.

Industry Recognition

Hyundai vehicles have received numerous awards across the automotive industry, including North American Car of the Year and World Car of the Year honors for models such as Palisade, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and Elantra.

Refining Mobility, the Hyundai Way

As Hyundai looks ahead, the company said it will continue expanding electrification, advanced technology and sustainability initiatives.

Electrification
Hyundai’s EV strategy includes battery-electric vehicles built on its Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which supports:

• IONIQ 5

• IONIQ 6

• IONIQ 9

The company is also advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology, including deployments of XCIENT Fuel Cell commercial trucks operating in the United States.

Advanced Technologies

Hyundai continues expanding connected vehicle systems and driver-assist technologies across its lineup. Available features include:

• Lane Following Assist

• High Beam Assist

• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist

Many Hyundai vehicles also include Hyundai Blue Link connected services and advanced infotainment systems.

Sustainability Leadership

Hyundai said it is pursuing carbon neutrality across its operations and supply chain through emissions-reduction targets and circular economy initiatives.

Community Programs

Hyundai also highlighted its community initiatives supporting health, safety and social programs.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels
For more than 27 years, Hyundai Motor America and its dealerships have supported pediatric cancer research through Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a nonprofit organization that has raised more than $277 million since 1998.

Hyundai Hope

Hyundai Hope is Hyundai Motor America’s corporate social responsibility initiative focused on improving community health, safety and well-being through volunteerism, partnerships and nonprofit support.

Hyundai said it plans to continue investing in U.S. manufacturing, research and development, clean mobility technologies and emerging technologies, including robotics, as it expands its presence in the American market.