Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hun of Hyundai Motor Company noted, "It is most important to solidify our position in advanced markets this year."
On the 6th, Vice Chairman Jang spoke with reporters after the Hyundai Motor Group New Year’s meeting held at the Hyundai Motorstudio in Goyang, saying, "I believe that the United States and Europe are both in a difficult environment, and we are considering ways to overcome the electric vehicle chasm (temporary demand slowdown)."
On that day, Vice Chairman Jang stated during a roundtable discussion with key executives from major affiliates, including Chairman Chung Eui-sun of Hyundai Motor Company, "This year is crucial for determining the next several years," adding, "Although the outlook for the management environment is not bright, we must confront the crisis head-on to find opportunities. The entire group must create synergy to overcome it."
Vice Chairman Jang said, "The electric vehicle market will ensure competitiveness overall, considering expansion in the infrastructure area and software-defined vehicles (SDV)." He also mentioned, "We plan to continuously secure leadership in the hydrogen institutional sector, and I will share more details about autonomous driving separately (when the opportunity arises)."
Regarding the incoming Donald Trump administration in the United States, scheduled to launch on the 20th of this month, Jose Munoz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hyundai Motor Company, stated he is ready to make the most of the investment project in Georgia, the "Hyundai Motor Group Meta Plant America" (HMGMA), which he has been promoting.
CEO Munoz explained, "The HMGMA, for which the investment was decided by the previous administration, is now starting to bear fruit around the time when the new administration is beginning," adding, "We are aiming to produce between 300,000 and 500,000 vehicles annually, and we plan to begin production of the Ioniq 5 this year, followed by the Ioniq 9."
Sung Kim, president of Hyundai Motor Company, said, "We have been planning at Hyundai Motor Company for a long time, so I believe we are somewhat prepared for the Trump administration's second term," adding, "With two weeks remaining until President Trump’s inauguration, there is no need to speculate too much, and we need to respond according to the situation going forward."
Song Ho-sung, president of Kia, mentioned, "How we respond to the portfolio, model mix, and tariff aspects in line with the Trump government's policies is key," also stating, "Since this is an issue for not only Hyundai Motor Company but all automakers, we can adjust according to the situation, and since our operating profit margin is not lagging behind others, we have more flexibility in implementing policies."
It is reported that there has been no direct contact between Hyundai Motor Group and the Trump administration's second term yet. Vice Chairman Jang added, "There has not been any contact with the Trump administration yet, and we must consider the overall government direction and prepare calmly. Internally, we want to focus on market response."