Hyundai Motor Group held its annual New Year’s Address, where Executive Chair Euisun Chung outlined the Group’s key priorities for 2025: tackling challenges through innovation, embracing change, and enhancing teamwork.
The event, held at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang near Seoul, introduced a new format aimed at fostering deeper discussions among participants. The focus was on the global business landscape for the upcoming year and the Group’s strategic direction.
Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung, Group Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang, Hyundai Motor President CEO José Muñoz, Presidents Sung Kim and Changhyeon Song, Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song, Hyundai Glovis CEO Kyoo Bok Lee, Hyundai Capital CEO Jung Hyung-jin and Hyundai Engineering & Construction Vice President and CEO Hanwoo Lee all took questions from the audience of more than 200 employees, plus many more watching globally on the Group’s livestream.
Executive Chair Chung began by thanking Hyundai Motor Group employees around the world. “We achieved a lot last year,” he said. “These achievements were the result of your tireless efforts to deliver the quality, trust and experience our customers expect. I extend my deepest gratitude to you all.”
He continued by emphasizing the importance of facing both internal and external challenges over the year ahead, as well as the potential for global growth across the Group’s operations by overcoming adversity through its commitment to innovation, further strengthening teamwork, and a proactive approach to creating future opportunities.
“Innovation is in Hyundai Motor Group’s DNA. If we continue to embrace change and pursue innovation, we can overcome any test or difficulty we may face,” said Executive Chair Chung.
With geopolitical uncertainties, shifts in the global economy, evolving consumer preferences, technological evolution in the mobility industry, emerging competitors, and the accelerating pace of innovation, 2025 will be a year of complex global dynamics.
Executive Chair Chung also reinforced Hyundai Motor Group’s resilience and its ability to further strengthen its position as a global mobility leader by looking for opportunities in every challenge.
“There is no need to be intimidated by uncertainties ahead. Without challenges, we risk becoming complacent, which presents a bigger danger. We cannot assume success in 2025 simply because of our strong performance last year. But we should also not be pessimistic as a defensive mindset can stifle innovation. Challenges can sharpen awareness and drive action – Hyundai Motor Group has successfully navigated challenges in the past and emerged stronger. We will do the same again.”
Addressing challenges and creating opportunities:
In his 2025 New Year’s Address, Executive Chair Chung of Hyundai Motor Group outlined the company’s approach to overcoming challenges, categorizing them as ‘predictable’ and ‘unexpected.’ He emphasized the importance of thorough preparation for predictable challenges and a deep understanding of historical trends to create opportunities for future growth. For unexpected challenges, he stressed the value of fundamental capabilities such as flexibility, a culture of analysis, agility, and unified action.
Chung also highlighted the appointment of José Muñoz as Hyundai Motor’s first non-Korean CEO as a milestone in the Group’s commitment to innovation and fostering a global, inclusive culture. He urged the company to strengthen its commitment to innovation, leadership in industrial change, technological development, and strategic partnerships.
A roundtable discussion followed the address, featuring Hyundai Motor Group’s key executives, who discussed global business challenges, the Group’s goals for 2025, and future work methodologies. Chung closed the discussion by reaffirming that the Group’s people are its greatest asset, driving innovation and resilience to turn challenges into opportunities for a sustainable future.
