A Look at the History of Hyundai

The Hyundai® brand has become a well-known name in the automobile industry. Their success didn’t happen overnight, though. Continue reading for a look at the history of Hyundai Motor Company.

How it Began

Chung Ju-Yung founded the company in 1947 under the name Hyundai Engineering and Construction. It wasn't until 1967 that the brand transitioned into the name we know today.

Ju-Yung had a creative mind and worked hard to build successful projects. He ventured into shipbuilding, truck repair, and several other avenues. A lot of his passion was later focused on reunifying Korea and possibly his greatest success was acting as an ambassador of peace.

Although many of his early ventures were not successful, he valued his failures as lessons learned. He continued to explore new options until Hyundai sold its first car in 1986.

Growing in America

The first sale took place in the United States when many people were still unfamiliar with the brand. The model was the subcompact Excel, and from its introduction, the company continued to grow in the U.S. market.

The timing was significant. Most U.S. auto manufacturers were creating high-end models leaving a large need for entry-level vehicles. First-time buyers or those with lower budgets were having a hard time finding an adequate and affordable option. So, when Hyundai entered the market, the vehicles made up for the lacking variety. More people were able to purchase these models.

The history of this company showcases the qualities of persistence and understanding. The founder had the passion to continue trying new things until the right idea came along. Our team at Express Auto, located throughout Western Michigan, would love to show you our selection of Hyundai vehicles. We proudly serve the Grand Rapids area.