Euisun Chung Visits Turkey Plant, Hyundai's European Compact Car Production Hub

Chairman Chung Inspects IONIQ 3 Pre-Mass Production
Turkey Plant Takes on First EV Production with IONIQ 3
Aims to Sell Over 40,000 Units Annually, Expanding Presence in the European Market

Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, visited the Hyundai Motor Turkey plant to inspect the mass production quality of the IONIQ 3, the group’s first small electric vehicle targeting the European compact EV market in the second half of the year.

On July 30 (local time), Euisun Chung visited the IONIQ 3 production line at the Hyundai Motor Turkey plant in Izmit, a port city near Istanbul, and discussed local production and sales strategies with executives and employees.

Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, is inspecting the production line together with employees of Hyundai Motor’s Turkey factory. Hyundai Motor Group

The reason Executive Chair Chung personally examined the IONIQ 3 in Turkey was that it is a strategic vehicle designed to strengthen Hyundai Motor Company's electric vehicle lineup in Europe and generate new demand.

The IONIQ 3 is the first B-segment electric vehicle Hyundai Motor Company is introducing to the European market. Mass production will begin at the Turkey plant in mid-August, with sequential sales across Europe in the latter half of the year. With the IONIQ 3, Hyundai aims to enter the upper tier of the electric vehicle segment competition for this vehicle class.

The Turkey plant's challenge of producing electric vehicles for the first time is also significant. Having previously produced small vehicles such as the i10 and i20, the Turkey plant plans to expand its electric vehicle production beginning with the IONIQ 3.

Strengthening Response Capabilities to the European B-Segment Electrification Market with IONIQ 3 Mass Production

The Hyundai Motor Turkey plant is making every effort to prepare for IONIQ 3 mass production and ensure top quality. Last year, the plant established a dedicated line for IONIQ 3 production and began trial production in May of this year.

Euisun Chung closely monitored the entire production process, from body assembly to final assembly of the IONIQ 3, and urged thorough quality checks.

Euisun Chung stated, "From the early stages of mass production, we must prioritize quality and enhance market competitiveness by exceeding customer expectations." He particularly emphasized, "Regarding safety, we must ensure that our vehicles are recognized as the best in Europe."

Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, is inspecting the production line together with employees of Hyundai Motor's Turkey plant. Hyundai Motor Group

Executive Chair Chung also visited the Hyundai Mobis Battery System Assembly (BSA) plant to closely inspect the production process for the battery systems to be installed in the IONIQ 3.

The IONIQ 3 is the latest model in Hyundai Motor Company's dedicated electric vehicle lineup, the IONIQ series, and features a hatchback design tailored to the driving environment and lifestyle of European customers.

Hyundai Motor Company has been expanding its European electric vehicle lineup with models such as the Inster, Kona Electric, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9. With the introduction of the IONIQ 3, the company plans to enter the highly demanded B-segment market and further bolster its electrification strategy.

The B-segment represents 15% of total demand in the European automotive market, making it a major vehicle class expected to maintain stable demand going forward.

Currently, electric vehicles account for about 14% of the B-segment market, but this share is expected to increase to 33% by 2030 and reach 65% by 2035. As a result, key players in the European market, including Volkswagen, are expanding their electric B-segment offerings.

The IONIQ 3 features several key innovations, including its 'Aero Hatch' design that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency and spacious interior, as well as performance optimized for European driving conditions based on the E-GMP platform.

Additionally, the IONIQ 3 is the first Hyundai Motor Company model sold in Europe to adopt the next-generation infotainment system 'Pleos Connect,' and is equipped with the latest SmartSense advanced driver assistance system, enhancing its competitive edge.

Hyundai Motor Company plans to launch the IONIQ 3 in the European market in the second half of this year and aims to sell more than 40,000 units annually starting next year. The company intends to scale up supply according to market size, maintaining and strengthening its presence in the European electrification market.

Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, is touring the Hyundai Mobis Battery System Assembly (BSA) factory with employees of Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Mobis. Hyundai Motor Group

Turkey Plant, Hyundai Motor Company's Oldest Overseas Production Base... Cumulative Output Reaches 3.4 Million Units

The Turkey plant, established in 1997 to target the European market, is Hyundai Motor Company's oldest overseas production base. It will mark its 30th anniversary of mass production next year.

Euisun Chung told employees, "Based on the achievements of the past 30 years, we must adapt our work practices to meet the demands of a new era and continue to push for innovation and competitiveness in all areas—production, quality, and sales—to solidify our position as the best company in Turkey."

For almost 30 years, the Turkey plant has continuously expanded its production capacity and diversified its model lineup, supporting Hyundai Motor Company's global manufacturing network.

In 2007, its annual production capacity was increased to 100,000 units; through further investment in 2013, it now produces up to 200,000 vehicles annually.

The range of models produced has also evolved steadily to match changes in the market and customer demand. Starting with the Accent, the plant has produced models such as the Grace, Starex, Matrix, i10, and now the i20 and Bayon—introducing a variety of European-focused strategic models and achieving a cumulative output of approximately 3.4 million vehicles.

Relying on its production capabilities and ongoing local investments, Hyundai Motor Company has established itself as one of Turkey's leading automobile brands.

Last year, Hyundai Motor Company sold 67,120 units in Turkey, a 6.7% increase from the previous year (62,913 units). In the first half of this year, sales reached 31,630 units, up 2.3% compared to the same period last year (30,929 units).

The Hyundai Motor Turkey plant also contributes to the development of Turkey's automotive industry and the revitalization of the local economy by building a diverse ecosystem of production and sales in collaboration with various local partners.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.