The U.S. automotive media Automotive News has named the chairman of Hyundai Motor Group's third generation as a figure who has had a significant impact on the development of the global automotive industry and awarded him the 'Centennial Award'.
The Centennial Award also supports the brand value of Automotive News. This automotive publication was founded in 1925 and celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. In addition to the United States, it publishes European, Chinese, and online editions, exerting significant influence worldwide, including in the English-speaking world.
This media outlet has named the three generations of Hyundai Motor Group's founder Chung Ju-yung, honorary chairman Chung Mong-koo, and chairman Chung Eui-sun as part of its 100th-anniversary event. In particular, Chairman Chung Eui-sun will hold a panel discussion at the 'Automotive News Congress' taking place in September.
The 'Centennial Award' is given to individuals and families who have made significant impacts on the global automotive industry through vision, innovation, and leadership. Besides the three generations of Hyundai Motor Group's executives, others such as chairman Akio Toyoda of Toyota, the Toyoda family, chairman John Elkann of Stellantis, the Agnelli family, chairman Mary Barra of General Motors, and chairman Bill Ford of Ford have also been selected.
Additionally, internationally renowned designer and chairman Giorgetto Giugiaro of GFG, president Luke Donckerwolke, who is the chief design officer and chief creative officer of Hyundai Motor Group, and former president Peter Schreyer, who is the brand ambassador of Hyundai Motor Group, have also been named recipients of the 'Centennial Award'.
Automotive News described, "When Chairman Chung Eui-sun took office as the CEO of Hyundai Motor Group in 2020, he not only became the chief executive officer of a global automobile company but also inherited the grand vision, unyielding will, and continuous innovation cultivated by founder Chung Ju-yung and honorary chairman Chung Mong-koo over decades."
Furthermore, it stated, "Chairman Chung Eui-sun has transformed Hyundai Motor Group from a former 'fast follower' into a true leader in design, quality, and technology, elevating the company to a new level. Under Chairman Chung Eui-sun's leadership, Hyundai Motor Group has established itself as a frontrunner in electric vehicles, motorsports, and safety, and has also entered new areas such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)."
Automotive News emphasized that the three generations of Hyundai Motor Group's executives played a key role in rebuilding the country from the ruins of the Korean War, transforming it into a global manufacturing powerhouse and automobile giant. "Founder Chung Ju-yung established a massive corporation that spans various industries from shipbuilding to semiconductors under the name 'Hyundai', while honorary chairman Chung Mong-koo enhanced quality and expanded into global markets, growing Hyundai Motor Group into a world-class corporation. Chairman Chung Eui-sun has elevated the brand value of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis brands to sophisticated and innovative images," it stated.
Automotive News has notably shown great interest in Chairman Chung Eui-sun's leadership and the future vision of Hyundai Motor Group.
It reported that Chairman Chung Eui-sun has broken away from a vertical corporate culture with global sensibility and flexible thinking, introducing a free and creative organizational culture, actively recruiting global talent, and implementing unconventional personnel policies such as appointing foreign CEOs, leading the launch of the Genesis brand and product innovations.
It also focused on Chairman Chung Eui-sun's design strategy, stating, "The philosophy of challenging conventions and attempting new things has driven the design innovation of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Today, no one describes Hyundai as ordinary. Kia has become a modern and distinctive brand, and Genesis is increasing sales, recognized for its elegance and completeness with refined models such as the G90 and GV70."
Moreover, it emphasized that Chairman Chung Eui-sun is at the forefront of various powertrains, not just electric vehicles, but also in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle sectors, and has deep understanding and insights into software-defined vehicles, artificial intelligence, robotics, and future mobility.
Chairman Chung Eui-sun will participate in the 'Automotive News Congress' taking place in Detroit, USA, in September where he will receive the 'Centennial Award' on behalf of Hyundai Motor Group and hold a panel discussion with K.C. Crain, representative of Automotive News. Chairman Chung commented on this award, saying, "Innovation should aim for humanity, and genuine progress is meaningful when it enhances people's lives. Hyundai Motor Group will continue its journey of innovation for the prosperous lives of humanity and the planet through creative and sustainable customer-centric solutions."
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