As Genesis, Hyundai Motor Group's luxury brand, made its full-fledged debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world's three major motorsports, Chair Chung Eui-sun also visited on the 13th (local time) to cheer on the first outing. This is the first time Chung has visited the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
That day, Chung arrived at Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, where the 24 Hours of Le Mans is held, and visited Genesis Magma Racing (GMR). Visiting the GMR garage, Chung met drivers and mechanics, handed out gifts prepared personally, and offered encouragement.
Chung then reportedly spent a long time discussing motorsports while examining the GMR-001 hypercar, the entry for the race, together with "legend" Jacky Ickx, a six-time Le Mans winner and Genesis brand adviser, and Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group CDO and CCO.
Chung also moved with executives, including Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon and President Donckerwolke, to the Genesis booth (fan zone) in the manufacturers' village to look over the booth exhibits.
After the grid walk, Chung took part in the VIP circuit parade. The event is held for key dignitaries. Vice Chairman Chang and José Muñoz, Hyundai Motor president, also joined. The grid walk is an event before the start where spectators can enter the track to see the entries up close and take photos.
Chung then turned to "motorsports outreach." He greeted key officials, including Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO, which organizes endurance racing, and Richard Mille, chair of the FIA Endurance Commission. Afterward, he watched the race for an extended time from the Genesis pit lounge.
In particular, Chung closely examined the "Box Buggy Concept" model unveiled at the media conference the previous day. The Box Buggy Concept is a mobility built with Hyundai Mobis' e-Corner Module and a hybrid system battery. It looks similar to a cart that carries people.
It is equipped with four independent motors, allowing each wheel to turn up to 90 degrees. In addition to crab driving, it can perform by spinning the tires in place to create smoke. During the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it toured key areas of the circuit and drew spectators' attention.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, part of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) organized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), is a race in which a team's drivers take turns lapping a 13.6-kilometer track for 24 hours. Because cars are pushed to their limits and the race runs for 24 hours, there are many variables, and simply finishing earns recognition for technical prowess. Genesis' goal at this event is to finish.