Who Is Hyundai? A History of Innovation

Hyundai is a South Korean automotive brand known for its excellent vehicles, incredibly comfortable interiors, and bevy of standard features across the lineup. It is also known for its innovative work in future technologies, as well as for producing vehicles for markets around the globe, from Australia to America. We’re proud to be your used Hyundai dealership because we know that you can find a quality used Hyundai at an affordable price, and you’ll feel great knowing your Hyundai is equipped with everything you need to have a superb driving experience every time you get behind the wheel.

There are plenty of Hyundai vehicles to choose from in the brand’s modern lineup––popular models include the Elantra, the Sonata, the Santa Fe, the Tuscon, and the Santa Cruz, all with many accolades from the industry and drivers alike. That’s not how Hyundai started out, though. Its origins are a testament to what can be achieved by constant progress toward future goals. Decades later, Hyundai is going strong, with plenty of surprises coming in the near future. So, how did Hyundai begin, and how did it get where it is today?

Hyundai’s Humble Origins

After South Korea’s liberation from Japan in 1945, the country was in dire need of rebuilding, and to do so, it tapped the Hyundai Engineering and Construction company. Hyundai immediately began building transportation infrastructure, which led to new roads and bridges to connect the country. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Hyundai continued to receive government construction contracts, but in 1967, the Hyundai Motor Company paved the way for a new venture: automobiles. Hyundai quickly became known for its “car of the people”––the Pony––and has since overtaken many older motor companies as one of the most innovative automobile makers in history.

Hyundai is responsible for boosting South Korea’s modernization efforts and influencing automotive brands worldwide with the company’s dedication to finding alternative energy sources, making travel cleaner, and making automobiles more environmentally friendly. The introduction of the Ioniq electrified car in 2017 was another first for Hyundai and the world. It is this continued progress and consistent development that has made Hyundai a household name. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to try a Hyundai, there’s no better time than now to get one.

The Hyundai Pony

Though the Pony was not the first vehicle to be produced by Hyundai, it was the vehicle that began Hyundai’s now global business. The Pony, or “the people’s car,” was introduced to the market in 1975 after Hyundai successfully partnered with Ford on a few early vehicle projects. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Pony Coupe concept was created as a timeless classic and played its part in the inspiration of other vehicle designs, including the DeLorean DMC-12, as you can see by the clear-cut lines of the body, a contrast which helped set the new vehicle apart from its competitors.

Giugiaro, who was quite new to the automotive design world, said: “I felt very proud that I was in charge of creating a production vehicle for a country that was about to face a fiercely competitive market.” His design proved to be a rousing success, instrumental in what would become a highly profitable market that assisted in South Korea’s movement from reconstruction to becoming a booming global marketplace. The Pony continues to inspire Hyundai and its future projects, which goes to prove just how much a single great design can change the automotive world forever.

The Hyundai Tucson

Looking for an SUV but don’t want anything overly large? The Hyundai Tucson is your answer––a compact SUV that seats up to five individuals with plenty of room for cargo in the back. While it might be on the smaller side, that doesn’t mean it isn’t comfortable. High-quality materials are used throughout the cabin, and the latest upgrades and tech features will keep you entertained and on track however long your journey. The Tucson beats out other competitors by offering more room for backseat passengers, stellar safety reviews, and a host of features that are standard across the board.

Hyundai’s dedication to quality and design is evident in the Tuscon––every individual inside the vehicle will be comfortable, and there are plenty of spaces throughout the cabin for storage, along with tech features like USB ports for charging phones and tablets. The outside of the vehicle is streamlined, curving here and there to optimize airflow and cut down on wind resistance. With the Tucson, you get everything you love about an SUV––the power, space, and comfort––without the things you don’t always love, like higher fueling costs, a rough ride, and a lack of standard comfort and convenience features.

The Hyundai Ioniq

In another important move for the industry, Hyundai is committed to offering an array of electrified options. While some companies might offer a handful of electrified options, Hyundai offers battery electric, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric powertrains, with plenty of vehicles in the Hyundai lineup to pair them with. If you’ve been searching for a vehicle with a particular type of powertrain, it’s time to see what a used Hyundai can do for you. Once you go electric, there’s another world that opens up for you––you don’t always have to rely on gas, which means your vehicle won’t produce as many emissions and will create power with cleaner energy.

The original Ioniq is definitely an icon of the Hyundai brand, with a classic look and modern features. It was the first electrified model Hyundai offered and was available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric powertrain options. Pair that cleaner energy with high style and ultimate comfort, and you have the makings of a practically perfect vehicle. The original Ioniq paved the way for Hyundai’s modern IONIQ brand of all-electric vehicles. With affordable and attractive options like the IONIQ 5 SUV and IONIQ 6 sedan, more drivers are choosing to go fully electric. However, the original Ioniq can still be found used, making it a practical and affordable icon.

Hyundai: Progress Is Ongoing

This South Korean automotive brand has become a powerhouse in the global market. With many awards and accolades for its vehicles, Hyundai is in an excellent position to promote future automotive technologies like clean energy and mobility, including further electrification, hydrogen power, and smart mobility technology. Given the history of Hyundai and its rapid progress through several decades, you can expect to see ongoing updates as Hyundai reaches its goals. When you think of innovation and success, the name Hyundai will always come to mind.

Whether you’re looking for a sleek sedan or a spacious family vehicle, there is a Hyundai model for you. Keep your family safe, happy, and secure in your Hyundai with all its standard safety, entertainment, comfort, and convenience features. You’ll feel great knowing that your Hyundai is made with care and that this automotive brand is focused on the future. If you’ve been considering making a change and going with a different brand from what you’re used to, it’s time to take a look at the Hyundai lineup and find the vehicle you’ve been looking for. It’s time to think about the future, and your Hyundai can take you there in style.

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