Kicking off the new year with a strong global vision, Hyundai’s chief tours China and other major markets as part of Hyundai Motor Group’s renewed push into electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and hydrogen technology. Executive Chair Chung Euisun’s multi-country visit highlights the automaker’s ambition to stay ahead in next-generation mobility.
Strengthening EV and Hydrogen Ties in China
The first leg of the journey saw Hyundai’s chief tour China on January 4–5, accompanying South Korea’s presidential business delegation during a state visit to Beijing. This marked Chung’s first visit to China in eight months.
During the visit, Chung met Zeng Yuqun, Chairman of battery giant CATL, to explore deeper cooperation on EV battery technologies. He also held discussions with Hou Qijun, Chairman of Sinopec, focusing on hydrogen energy projects—an area Hyundai sees as critical for long-term sustainability.
In addition, Chung met Zhang Naiwen, Chairman of Jiangsu Yueda Group, Kia’s joint-venture partner in China, signaling renewed commitment to strengthening Hyundai-Kia operations in the Chinese market.
CES 2026: AI, Robotics, and US Tech Alliances
From Beijing, Chung headed to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. As Hyundai chief tours China and then the US, the automaker showcased its technological depth through Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot Atlas—one of the most talked-about demonstrations at the event.
On the sidelines, Chung met Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Qualcomm COO Akash Palkhiwala. Hyundai and Nvidia are expanding their partnership, with Nvidia set to supply 50,000 Blackwell GPUs. Both companies are also collaborating to establish AI technology centers in South Korea, supporting advancements in autonomous driving, robotics, and smart manufacturing.
Hyundai also convened its Global Leaders Forum in Las Vegas, aligning senior leadership on mid- and long-term technology strategy.
India: The Next Growth Engine
The final stop was India, where Chung spent two days visiting Hyundai and Kia manufacturing facilities. As Hyundai’s chief tours China and India within the same strategic trip, the focus clearly shifts to future growth markets.
Hyundai, which entered India in 1996 and now commands nearly 20% market share, recently listed its Indian unit on the stock exchange to fund expansion and R&D. Chung visited plants in Chennai, Anantapur, and Pune, reviewing production lines for models like Creta and Venue.
He emphasized a long-term “home-brand” strategy, localization of EV components, and India’s role as a strategic manufacturing hub—positioning Hyundai strongly for the next era of electric and intelligent mobility.
Related Articles:-
