Hyundai Motor Group’s leadership across three generations has been recognised with the Automotive News Centennial Award for outstanding contributions to the global automotive industry.
Executive Chair Euisun Chung, his father Honorary Chairman Mong-Koo Chung, and grandfather Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung were named as influential figures who have reshaped global mobility and built Hyundai into one of the world’s leading carmakers.
The award, part of Automotive News’ 100th anniversary celebrations, will be presented at the Automotive News Congress in Detroit on 11 September 2025.
Global rise under Euisun Chung
Since becoming Executive Chair in 2020, Euisun Chung has propelled Hyundai Motor Group into the global top three automakers, building on the legacy of his predecessors.
He has driven investment in electrification, hydrogen fuel cell systems, software-defined vehicles, robotics, autonomous driving, and advanced air mobility. Under his leadership, Hyundai Motor and Kia have won 12 World Car Awards, including four consecutive World Car of the Year titles since 2022.
“I am honoured to receive this Automotive News Centennial Award and the recognition from such a respected voice in our industry,” said Euisun Chung. “Innovation must serve humanity, and progress is only meaningful when it improves people’s lives.”
Chung has also been recognised internationally, named Visionary of the Year by Newsweek in 2022 and Person of the Year by MotorTrend in 2023.
Legacy of leadership
Automotive News highlighted the broader Chung family’s impact, noting how Ju-yung Chung’s entrepreneurial vision turned Korea into an automotive powerhouse. His son, Mong-Koo Chung, steered Hyundai and Kia’s global expansion, establishing their reputation for quality, safety, and reliability.
“My grandfather believed that our customers are the ones shaping the future, and it’s our job to really listen to them and respond,” said Euisun Chung. “My father also had a huge influence, especially in expanding globally while always focusing on fundamentals like quality and safety.”
KC Crain, President and CEO of Crain Communications and Publisher of Automotive News, said: “For three generations, the Chung family has shaped the global automotive industry through vision, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Under Euisun Chung’s leadership, Hyundai Motor Group has transformed into a global powerhouse – leading in sales, technology, quality and style.”
Centennial celebration
The Automotive News Centennial Awards honour individuals and families whose long-term strategic vision and innovation have redefined the automotive landscape.
Alongside the Chungs, Hyundai’s Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke has also been recognised this year for his design leadership. Former design chief Peter Schreyer and Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro were honoured earlier at the Automotive News Europe Congress in Turin.
With its recognition, Hyundai Motor Group joins a select group of companies and leaders shaping the industry’s next century, while continuing to advance its vision of “Progress for Humanity”.
