This photo provided by Hyundai Motor Group shows Euisun Chung, executive chair of the group, speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony for Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Savannah of the U.S. state of Georgia on Oct. 26, 2022. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 28 (Korea Bizwire) — Hyundai Motor Group has been named to TIME magazine’s prestigious TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2025, joining the Leaders category alongside global powerhouses. The South Korean auto giant was the only Korean company to make this year’s list, reinforcing its standing as a dominant force in the global automotive industry.
TIME, which launched the annual list in 2021, selects companies based on influence, innovation, leadership, and impact across five categories: Leaders, Disruptors, Innovators, Titans, and Pioneers. The selection is informed by nominations from global correspondents, editors, and industry experts.
This marks Hyundai’s second appearance on the list, following Kia’s inclusion under the Innovators category in 2023. TIME cited Hyundai’s rise to become the world’s third-largest automaker by sales in 2024 as no accident, praising its surging reputation in the U.S. and strong reception for electric and hybrid vehicle models.
The publication described Hyundai as an “automotive dark horse” rapidly transforming perceptions once held by American consumers.
A view of Hyundai Motor Grou’s Metaplant America
In 2024, Hyundai Motor Group sold a combined 7.23 million vehicles, securing third place globally. It has also been named to the prestigious World Car of the Year (WCOTY) list five times in the past six years, underlining its product excellence.
The company is approaching a major milestone in the U.S. market, with cumulative sales nearing 30 million units since its entry in 1986. As of May 2025, Hyundai and Kia have sold approximately 29.81 million vehicles in the U.S., with both brands achieving record annual sales in 2024 and continuing 11% growth in the first five months of 2025.
Hyundai Motor Group plans to further strengthen its global competitiveness with major investments, including a record ₩24.3 trillion ($17.5 billion) domestic outlay this year and a $21 billion U.S. investment by 2028 aimed at bolstering future mobility capabilities.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
