Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company was founded by Chung Ju-Yung and then later on in 1967 was founded the Hyundai Motor company. The company logo ( the slanted H) symbolizes the company shaking hands with its customers. The word ’Hyundai’ means modernity and the company with its cars in the various segments strive to bring modernity through looks and technology.
The company’s first model, the Cortina, was released in cooperation with Ford Motor Company in 1968. The company started exporting its other car Pony to Canada in 1983 but not to the United States because the Pony didn’t pass emissions standards there. The Pony received accolades in Canada not only for its features, but also for the pricing.
In 1996 Hyundai came to India and established its production plant in Irrungattukotai near Chennai. The company’s first product in India was its most successful till date. The Santro charmed the Indian crowd with its tall-boy small car features. The company also managed to get Shahrukh Khan ( Bollywood star) to become their brand ambassador.
Hyundai has two manufacturing plants in India located at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu. Both plants have a combined annual capacity of 600, 000 units. In 2007 Hyundai opened its R& D facility in Hyderabad.