January 6, 2026
Hyundai Motor Group Unveils 2026 Plan: AI, Customer-Focused Evolution, and Ecosystem Dominance
Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled its 2026 strategic vision, which prioritizes customer-focused transformation, AI-enhanced innovation, and improved ecosystem competitiveness. This vision was shared with global employees during a New Year address by Executive Chair Euisun Chung, aimed at adapting to shifting global market trends and setting new standards in the industry.As the automotive and manufacturing industries experience significant shifts brought about by AI, digital advancement, and sustainability, Hyundai Motor Group is strengthening its stature as a forward-looking global leader.

Five Strategic Priorities for Adapting to a Shifting Global Environment

Executive Chair Chung identified five essential strategic priorities for Hyundai Motor Group through 2026 and thereafter:
  1. Customer-led development
  2. Responsive decision-making
  3. Competitive ecosystem
  4. Innovative partnerships
  5. Leadership in emerging industry benchmarks
These priorities reflect the Group’s commitment to continuous transformation in reaction to technological upheaval, evolving customer demands, and heightened global competition.

Pursuing Transformation Via Customer Engagement

Chung expressed appreciation to employees and customers, recognizing the trials of 2025 and thanking them for their loyalty and commitment. He emphasized that customer understanding is critical for transformation, particularly during times of economic fluctuation and fierce competition.

“In challenging times and competitive environments, our greatest asset will be our capacity to continually adapt by maintaining close connections with our customers,” Chung remarked.

He urged employees to critically assess product planning and development by considering:
  • Are customer insights adequately incorporated?
  • Were trade-offs made in development stages?
  • Can we assure customers of our product quality?
This perspective is intended to foster resilience and uphold long-term competitive positioning.

Responsive Decision-Making Through Direct Leadership Interaction

Chung highlighted the necessity for transformation to include leadership involvement and organizational culture. Leaders must directly connect with teams and operations to grasp real-world challenges.

“Quick and transparent communication, alongside nimble decision-making devoid of formal constraints, is what truly counts,” he asserted.

This strategy seeks to improve speed, clarity, and innovation, enabling the Group to respond more adeptly to global circumstances.

Establishing Competitive Edge Through a Robust Ecosystem

Hyundai Motor Group's competitiveness is anchored in its global supply and production ecosystem. With products such as vehicles and humanoid robots consisting of numerous components, maintaining quality and performance throughout the value chain is essential.

“The robustness of our supply ecosystem distinctly enhances our competitive edge,” Chung observed.

The Group perceives ecosystem well-being as crucial for sustainable advancement, prioritizing collaboration and mutual success with partners and suppliers.

Innovative Partnerships for AI-Powered Transformation

As AI transforms the global manufacturing arena, Hyundai Motor Group is propelling its AI-powered transformation through collaborations with various partners. Chung emphasized that AI is a pivotal factor in product competitiveness, particularly in the automotive field. He highlighted the Group’s advantages, which include:
  • Exceptional manufacturing and design expertise
  • Extensive data from vehicles, robots, and production sites
  • Insights from real-world user experiences

“We have exceptional capabilities in both the design and fabrication of tangible products,” Chung expressed, showing confidence in the Group’s leadership in physical AI.

By broadening its industrial ecosystem and partnerships, Hyundai Motor Group aspires to provide enhanced customer value and redefine mobility standards.

Executive Roundtable Spotlight on AI Integration and Future Preparedness

An executive roundtable discussion followed Chung’s speech, featuring senior leaders from Hyundai Motor Group, including:
  • Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang
  • Hyundai Motor Company CEO José Muñoz
  • Kia CEO Ho Sung Song
  • Hyundai Mobis CEO Gyu Suk Lee
  • Presidents Luc Donckerwolke, Sung Kim, and Manfred Harrer
The discussion, informed by feedback from over 7,200 employees worldwide, centered on organizational culture, AI integration, and strategic implementation.

AI as the Catalyst for Organizational Development


Hyundai Motor Group has unveiled its 2026 strategic vision, which prioritizes customer-focused transformation, AI-enhanced innovation, and improved ecosystem competitiveness. This vision was shared with global employees during a New Year address by Executive Chair Euisun Chung, aimed at adapting to shifting global market trends and setting new standards in the industry.

As the automotive and manufacturing industries experience significant shifts brought about by AI, digital advancement, and sustainability, Hyundai Motor Group is strengthening its stature as a forward-looking global leader.

Five Strategic Priorities for Adapting to a Shifting Global Environment

Executive Chair Chung identified five essential strategic priorities for Hyundai Motor Group through 2026 and thereafter:

  1. Customer-led development
  2. Responsive decision-making
  3. Competitive ecosystem
  4. Innovative partnerships
  5. Leadership in emerging industry benchmarks

These priorities reflect the Group’s commitment to continuous transformation in reaction to technological upheaval, evolving customer demands, and heightened global competition.

Pursuing Transformation Via Customer Engagement

Chung expressed appreciation to employees and customers, recognizing the trials of 2025 and thanking them for their loyalty and commitment. He emphasized that customer understanding is critical for transformation, particularly during times of economic fluctuation and fierce competition.

“In challenging times and competitive environments, our greatest asset will be our capacity to continually adapt by maintaining close connections with our customers,” Chung remarked.

He urged employees to critically assess product planning and development by considering:

  • Are customer insights adequately incorporated?
  • Were trade-offs made in development stages?
  • Can we assure customers of our product quality?

This perspective is intended to foster resilience and uphold long-term competitive positioning.

Responsive Decision-Making Through Direct Leadership Interaction

Chung highlighted the necessity for transformation to include leadership involvement and organizational culture. Leaders must directly connect with teams and operations to grasp real-world challenges.

“Quick and transparent communication, alongside nimble decision-making devoid of formal constraints, is what truly counts,” he asserted.

This strategy seeks to improve speed, clarity, and innovation, enabling the Group to respond more adeptly to global circumstances.

Establishing Competitive Edge Through a Robust Ecosystem

Hyundai Motor Group’s competitiveness is anchored in its global supply and production ecosystem. With products such as vehicles and humanoid robots consisting of numerous components, maintaining quality and performance throughout the value chain is essential.

“The robustness of our supply ecosystem distinctly enhances our competitive edge,” Chung observed.

The Group perceives ecosystem well-being as crucial for sustainable advancement, prioritizing collaboration and mutual success with partners and suppliers.

Innovative Partnerships for AI-Powered Transformation

As AI transforms the global manufacturing arena, Hyundai Motor Group is propelling its AI-powered transformation through collaborations with various partners. Chung emphasized that AI is a pivotal factor in product competitiveness, particularly in the automotive field. He highlighted the Group’s advantages, which include:

  • Exceptional manufacturing and design expertise
  • Extensive data from vehicles, robots, and production sites
  • Insights from real-world user experiences

“We have exceptional capabilities in both the design and fabrication of tangible products,” Chung expressed, showing confidence in the Group’s leadership in physical AI.

By broadening its industrial ecosystem and partnerships, Hyundai Motor Group aspires to provide enhanced customer value and redefine mobility standards.

Executive Roundtable Spotlight on AI Integration and Future Preparedness

An executive roundtable discussion followed Chung’s speech, featuring senior leaders from Hyundai Motor Group, including:

  • Vice Chair Jaehoon Chang
  • Hyundai Motor Company CEO José Muñoz
  • Kia CEO Ho Sung Song
  • Hyundai Mobis CEO Gyu Suk Lee
  • Presidents Luc Donckerwolke, Sung Kim, and Manfred Harrer

The discussion, informed by feedback from over 7,200 employees worldwide, centered on organizational culture, AI integration, and strategic implementation.

AI as the Catalyst for Organizational Development