New Hyundai Cars

In 1946, Chung Ju-Yung started the Hyundai Motor Company with help from South Korean leader Park Ching Hee. Park was impressed with Chung’s modesty, his work ethic and commitment to meeting his obligations on time. This resulted in Park granting Hyundai many government building contracts. In 1972, Chung diversified his venture to ship building and formed Hyundai Heavy Industries that would cater to the needs of Southeast Asia’s needs for shipbuilding. During the 1980s, Chung changed focus to manufacturing motor cars, and became Korea’s largest car manufacturer. In 1986, the Excel was the first Hyundai car to be launched in the USA. The entry level car filled a void in an important segment that was then ignored by many auto manufacturers. Within seven months 168,882 units were sold, posting an industry record for imported car of the year. The company grew during the 1990s with manufacturing shifting to Montgomery, Alabama – its first US assembly plant. Today, the Hyundai lineup includes the Accent, Azera, Ela