Chung Euisun reaffirmed Hyundai Motor Group’s large-scale investment commitment to the United States, emphasizing robotics and hydrogen as key drivers of future growth amid global economic uncertainty.
In an interview published April 12, with U.S. outlet Semafor, Chung said major economic decisions are increasingly being shaped within corporations, adding that Hyundai Motor Group is responding to change with flexibility and resilience.
“U.S. a Key Market”…$26 Billion Investment by 2028
Chung described the United States as a “core strategic hub,” underscoring the group’s plan to invest $26 billion by 2028.
“The plan reflects long-term confidence in the U.S. market,” he said, adding that the group’s resilience and flexibility have enabled such a strategy.
Hyundai Motor Group has invested about $20.5 billion in the United States over the past four decades and is building a software-driven advanced manufacturing system centered on its Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA).
Chung said shifting geopolitical conditions are increasing the importance of agility, noting the company aims to respond through manufacturing innovation and local job creation tied to HMGMA.
He added that the group supports approximately 570,000 jobs in the United States and has donated more than $300 million through its pediatric cancer initiative, Hope On Wheels.
“Robotics, AI Key Growth Pillars”…30,000 Units by 2030
Chung identified robotics and artificial intelligence as central to Hyundai Motor Group’s future beyond mobility.
“Robotics and physical AI will play a key role in our evolution,” he said, outlining plans to build human-collaborative manufacturing environments.
The group plans to deploy humanoid robots, including Atlas developed by Boston Dynamics, across production lines by 2028 and establish capacity to produce up to 30,000 units annually by 2030.
“As customer demands become more sophisticated, robotics and AI will be essential in enhancing both quality and productivity,” Chung said, adding that integration across R&D, software, design and manufacturing will strengthen global competitiveness.
“Hydrogen a Critical Solution”
Chung also reaffirmed the group’s commitment to hydrogen energy, citing rising demand driven by AI and data centers.
“Hydrogen is a key solution for energy security,” he said, noting that Hyundai is building a full-cycle ecosystem through its hydrogen business brand HTWO, from production to application.
He added that carbon reduction is a responsibility to future generations and pledged to pursue net-zero goals across the entire value chain, including sourcing, manufacturing and recycling.
“Global Fragmentation” Drives Regional Strategy
Chung said global markets are increasingly fragmented across regions in terms of regulations, supply chains and demand, prompting Hyundai Motor Group to pursue a dual strategy of global expansion and regional optimization.
He highlighted efforts to build independent competitiveness in regions including South Korea, the United States, India and Asia-Pacific markets.
“Competition drives innovation,” Chung said, adding that Hyundai will maintain its position as a top-three global automaker with annual sales exceeding 7 million vehicles through quality, brand trust and a customer-centric strategy.
“Uncertainty does not change our strategy—it refines it,” he said. “We will continue to build new growth engines in mobility, robotics and energy while maintaining clear direction amid change.”