Who Owns Hyundai? Here’s The Scoop

in Auto FAQs and News
Hyundai car on a road

Source: Pixabay

Hyundai is one of the most popular brands on the market. They have many high-quality vehicle selections, from the iconic Hyundai Elantra to the Hyundai Tucson. If you’re interested in this brand for your life, you might wonder - who owns Hyundai? Who oversees creating these cars, and where do they come from?

If you’re interested in learning more about who owns Hyundai, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the owner of this company, where Hyundai comes from, and where the vehicles come to life. The more you know about the brand, the easier it will be to determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Who Owns Hyundai?

Who owns Hyundai? According to consumerreports.org, the owner of the Hyundai Brand is the Hyundai Motor Company. This corporation is powerful. It also owns part of the Kia and Genesis brands, stretching further across the market than many other car companies. Hyundai is a quality brand with an opportunity for growth.

Jose Munoz is the current president and COO of the company. He’s also the first CEO of their North American branch, allowing for more focus on the cars produced in the states. They have carefully thought through expansion and potential ownership of other companies in the coming years.

Hyundai has existed for more than fifty years, starting across the ocean, and expanding all around the globe. Although they have had rough years, Hyundai has excelled in its recent history. They have made their presence in the United States of America and continue to expand their global market.

Now that we’ve discussed who owns Hyundai, what about the other companies under the Hyundai Motor Company? Are Hyundai and Kia owned by the same company? Or do they fall under different branches? 


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Are Kia and Hyundai Owned by The Same Company?

Kia and Hyundai are both in South Korea, operating in close quarters to each other. Although Kia and Hyundai are not owned by the same parent company, Hyundai does have a stake in the Kia brand. According to kiadelray.com, Hyundai owns 33% of the Kia brand, giving them a large chunk of ownership in their fellow Korean company.

Kia and Hyundai offer an excellent variety of vehicles, from sedans to hatchbacks and everything in between. They are ideal family vehicles, perfect for commuting from one location to another. They have comparable models across styles, permitting interested parties to select from the brand they enjoy more. Hyundai has a stake in both.

Now that we’ve established the ownership of Hyundai and Kia, is Hyundai a Japanese or Korean brand? Where did the Hyundai company originate from in the world? 

Is Hyundai Korean or Japanese?

Many people assume Hyundai vehicles are Japanese. However, that isn’t the case. According to stouffvillehyundai.com, the Hyundai brand originates from South Korea. They started small and expanded into what they are today, shifting from a tiny country and moving outwards into the rest of the world to become the international brand they are now.

Japanese and Korean-made cars are similar in many ways. They put special care into their design, ensuring their vehicles are practical and efficient. However, you are more likely to find convenience and luxury pushed inside Korean cars. They provide more for those who want to spend less on their machines.

We know that Hyundai cars are Korean, not Japanese. However, their origin isn’t always where they come from when you purchase them. Where are Hyundais made with so many options around the world?


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Where Are Hyundais Made?

The Hyundai brand comes from South Korea and has manufacturing plants in the country. However, with its global influence, the company must create vehicles in other countries for the most practical results. There are two additional locations where Hyundais come to life.

According to autoguide.com, here are a few locations where Hyundais are made in:

  • South Korea
  • Mexico
  • Alabama

These locations offer plenty of manufacturing for the company to ensure people everywhere have access to their offerings.

If Hyundai continues to grow, it may open additional manufacturing plants. They are effective and know what they are doing in the business world.

Now that you know where Hyundai vehicles come to life, are they worth it? Should you take your chances and purchase a Hyundai for your life?

How Hyundai Fixed Its Poor Reputation

In case you don’t know, Hyundai had a poor reputation for making cheap, unreliable vehicles. However, the company turned it around with some key strategies:

  • Investment in R&D and Facilities: Hyundai committed hundreds of millions to research and development, and to building state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. This investment was crucial in enhancing the quality and reliability of their vehicles​
  • Management and Strategy Overhaul: Key to their turnaround was the leadership of Mong-Koo Chung, who implemented a long-term strategy focusing on quality over quantity. Adopting the ‘Six Sigma’ management discipline, Hyundai rigorously analyzed and addressed manufacturing flaws, demonstrating a willingness to seek out and respond to criticism​
  • Gaining Reliability Recognition: Post investment and overhaul, Hyundai’s reliability significantly improved. By 2003, Consumer Reports ranked them second in overall brand reliability. This achievement was a testament to their drastically improved build quality and commitment to customer satisfaction​
  • Launching the Genesis Brand: In 2009, Hyundai launched the Genesis sedan, a move that marked their entry into the luxury car market. The Genesis received acclaim for its value, handling, and quality, even winning the 2009 North American Car of the Year award​

Are Hyundai Cars Worth It?

Hyundais might seem appealing. They have had low prices and reliable repair and maintenance over the years. However, these don’t necessarily mean the brand is worth it. With their shaky past, is an investment in a Hyundai the right idea for your next vehicle choice?

Although the choice is ultimately yours, according to woodstockhyundai.com, here are a few reasons to invest in a Hyundai vehicle:

  • High value for money spent
  • Reliable selection
  • Safe, despite the lower price
  • Multiple features packed in base models
  • Excellent warranty

They are much better than they have been in past years.

Hyundai is not the same as luxury brands or American standards like Ford. However, they have made a stand in the car market. Under quality ownership, they have improved over the years and have some excellent options for interested parties. If you want affordable and safe, a Hyundai car is a quality choice.


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Final Thoughts

Hyundai is owned by the powerful Hyundai Motor Company, which also owns Kia and Genesis. They are a powerful force in the car world, providing exciting new options for interested vehicle owners. Hyundai cars are worth it, so you can feel safe enjoying your affordable vehicle if you can’t afford the more expensive luxury options.

Now that you know all about who owns Hyundai, it’s up to you to determine if this brand is the right choice for your next vehicle. They are a quality and popular brand, ready to get you and your loved ones in an affordable and safe car for the future. Hyundai has seen improvement and will continue to push forward in the future.



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