Hyundai Motor Group Makes History: TIME's 100 Most Influential Companies 2025 - From 'Dark Horse' to Global Leader

**Breaking Barriers: Hyundai's Historic Achievement**

Did you know that Hyundai Motor Group just made automotive history? On June 26, 2025, the South Korean automotive giant became the only Korean company to be selected for TIME magazine's prestigious '2025 Most Influential Companies' list, earning a spot in the coveted Leaders category. This achievement marks a pivotal moment not just for Hyundai, but for the entire Korean automotive industry on the global stage.

TIME magazine, America's leading news weekly, has been annually selecting the world's 100 most influential companies since 2021. The selection process is rigorous, involving nominations from global correspondents, editors, and industry experts worldwide. Companies are evaluated based on their influence, innovation, leadership, and impact, then categorized into five distinct sections: Leaders, Disruptors, Innovators, Titans, and Pioneers, with 20 companies selected for each category.

What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that Hyundai Motor Group is the sole Korean representative on this year's list, solidifying its position as the flagship of Korea's automotive industry. This recognition comes after Kia, Hyundai's subsidiary, was previously selected in the Innovators category in 2023, making this the group's second appearance on the prestigious list.

**From 'Automotive Dark Horse' to Global Powerhouse**

TIME magazine didn't mince words when describing Hyundai's remarkable transformation, calling the company an 'automotive dark horse.' The publication emphasized that Hyundai's rise to become the world's third-largest automaker by sales in 2024 was no accident, highlighting how the company has systematically proven its capabilities year after year.

The magazine's assessment was particularly striking: 'Hyundai continues to prove that its rise to the top ranks of global automakers—it was the third-largest automaker in 2024—was no fluke. Once saddled with a subpar reputation in the U.S., sales are surging upward as the South Korea-based giant's Kia and Hyundai brands rack up awards for new EV and hybrid vehicles.'

This transformation is especially significant considering Hyundai's historical challenges in the American market. The company, which once struggled with brand perception issues in the United States, has completely revolutionized its image through strategic innovation and quality improvements. In 2024, Hyundai Motor Group sold a combined 7.23 million vehicles globally, securing its position as the world's third-largest automotive manufacturer.

The company's success isn't just about numbers—it's about consistent recognition for excellence. Hyundai has been named to the prestigious World Car of the Year (WCOTY) list five times in the past six years, demonstrating sustained product excellence and innovation in the highly competitive global automotive market.

**Electric Revolution: Leading the Future of Mobility**

What truly sets Hyundai apart in today's automotive landscape is its aggressive push into electric and hybrid vehicles. The company's electrified vehicle sales surged by an impressive 38.4% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025, while the company achieved record-breaking revenue during the same period.

Hyundai's electric vehicle lineup, particularly the IONIQ series, has been receiving widespread acclaim and numerous awards. The company's commitment to electrification isn't just about following trends—it's about leading them. TIME specifically noted how Hyundai and Kia brands have been 'racking up awards for new EV and hybrid vehicles,' transforming the company's reputation from a budget option to a premium, innovative choice.

The company's hybrid strategy is equally impressive. Hyundai plans to double its hybrid lineup to 14 models by 2030, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to electrification that caters to various consumer preferences and market conditions. This strategic diversification allows the company to capture market share across different segments while building toward a fully electric future.

Korean automotive enthusiasts and industry experts have been particularly excited about this recognition. Online communities like Naver Cafe automotive forums and car enthusiast blogs have been buzzing with pride about Hyundai's achievement. Many Korean netizens have expressed sentiments like 'Finally, the world is recognizing what we've known all along' and 'This is just the beginning for Korean automotive excellence.'

**Massive US Investment: Deepening American Roots**

Perhaps nothing demonstrates Hyundai's commitment to global expansion more than its unprecedented investment in the United States. The company announced a staggering $21 billion investment in US production facilities by 2028—an amount that represents more than double the company's total US investments over the past 40 years.

This massive investment strategy isn't just about manufacturing; it's about establishing deep, lasting roots in one of the world's most important automotive markets. TIME magazine specifically highlighted this commitment, noting that 'Hyundai's American roots continue to deepen.' The investment will significantly boost local production capabilities, create thousands of jobs, and position Hyundai as a truly American-integrated automotive manufacturer.

The timing of this investment is particularly strategic, as it helps Hyundai navigate complex US trade policies and tariffs while demonstrating long-term commitment to American consumers and workers. This approach has been well-received by both industry analysts and political leaders, who see it as a win-win situation for both Korean innovation and American manufacturing.

Simultaneously, Hyundai is making record investments in its home market. The company is investing a historic 24.3 trillion won ($17.5 billion) domestically in 2025, the largest annual investment in the company's history. This dual investment strategy—massive expansion in the US while strengthening the home base in Korea—demonstrates the company's balanced approach to global growth.

**Quality Leadership: Consecutive Victories in US Market**

Hyundai's recognition by TIME magazine comes on the heels of another significant achievement: winning the J.D. Power 2025 Initial Quality Study for the second consecutive year. Among 17 global automotive groups, Hyundai Motor Group achieved the lowest score of 178 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), indicating the highest quality satisfaction among customers.

This quality leadership extends across all of Hyundai's brands. Hyundai ranked second among mass-market brands with 173 points, Kia secured sixth place with 181 points, and Genesis claimed third place among luxury brands with 183 points. This comprehensive excellence across different market segments demonstrates the group's systematic approach to quality management.

Individual models also received recognition, with Hyundai Santa Cruz winning the award for best quality in the mid-size pickup truck category, and Kia Telluride taking top honors in the large SUV segment. Additionally, three manufacturing facilities—Hyundai's Ulsan Plant 5, Kia's Gwangju Plant 1, and Kia's Mexico plant—received manufacturing quality excellence awards.

Korean automotive communities have been celebrating these quality achievements with particular enthusiasm. Blog posts and forum discussions frequently highlight how Hyundai has transformed from a value-oriented brand to a quality leader, with many Korean consumers expressing pride in seeing their domestic automotive industry compete at the highest global levels.

**Global Recognition and Future Prospects**

Hyundai's inclusion in TIME's 2025 Most Influential Companies list places it alongside some of the world's most respected corporations, including energy giant Eni, investment powerhouse BlackRock, pharmaceutical leader Gilead Sciences, and logistics REIT Prologis. This diverse company demonstrates the broad respect Hyundai has earned across different industries and sectors.

The company is approaching a significant milestone in the US market, with cumulative sales nearing 30 million units since entering the American market in 1986. As of May 2025, Hyundai and Kia have sold approximately 29.81 million vehicles in the US, with both brands achieving record annual sales in 2024 and maintaining strong 11% growth in the first five months of 2025.

Looking ahead, Hyundai's future prospects appear exceptionally bright. The company's comprehensive strategy encompasses traditional automotive excellence, cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, strategic global investments, and unwavering commitment to quality. This multi-faceted approach positions Hyundai not just as an automotive manufacturer, but as a comprehensive mobility solutions provider for the future.

Korean industry observers and international analysts alike are watching Hyundai's continued evolution with great interest. The company's ability to transform its brand image, achieve consistent quality leadership, and earn recognition from prestigious international publications like TIME magazine suggests that this is just the beginning of Hyundai's global influence. As the automotive industry continues its rapid transformation toward electrification and autonomous driving, Hyundai appears well-positioned to not just participate in this revolution, but to lead it.