Hyundai Motor Group chairman Euisun Chung wins Issigonis Trophy at 2021 Autocar Awards

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung has been honoured with the Issigonis Trophy at the 2021 Autocar UK Awards ceremony. Chung gets the 2021 Autocar Awards’ top accolade in recognition of the incredible contribution that he and the firm have made to the global automotive industry. 

Named in honour of legendary car designer Sir Alec Issigonis, the trophy is presented each year to a stand-out individual within the global automotive industry, whom Autocar UK judges deem to have delivered an exceptional level of success.

In recognising the visionary leadership of Chairman Chung on the presentation of the Issigonis Award, Autocar UK editor-in-chief Steve Cropley said: “In the last decade the Hyundai Motor Group has grown into one of the world’s leading car firms, and chairman Euisun Chung has been key to that transformation. We’re proud to award him this year’s Issigonis Trophy to recognise his achievements. The transformation made by the company is unmatched in the industry in recent years.

“While Hyundai and Kia were considered unexciting budget brands with limited market share just a decade ago, under Euisun Chung’s leadership they have made incredible progress, winning market share and customers with cars that are the match of any mainstream rival.

“The Hyundai Motor Group has expanded into performance cars with Hyundai’s N division and the premium market with the new Genesis brand, and become a true industry leader in both electric and hydrogen-powered cars. It is no longer trying to catch up to rivals: now other car firms are chasing it.”

On receiving the Issigonis Trophy, Chairman Chung commented: “It’s a true honour to receive this prestigious award today from Autocar and I must thank all my colleagues for their contribution in securing this accolade. Despite the dramatic upheaval of the global auto industry and challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Hyundai Motor Group is spearheading a paradigm shift and what lies at the heart of our efforts is our single-minded focus on serving and empowering our customers. Through a considered approach, we will create more opportunities and oil the wheels of ‘progress for humanity’.”

Recent significant advances by the Hyundai Motor Group made under the Chairman’s tenure include the introduction of highly advanced electric vehicles: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Both use the Group’s new, dedicated EV platform, the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). In addition to the high-performance N brand of Hyundai Motor Company, the Group has also launched HTWO dedicated fuel cell brand, and the Genesis premium luxury brand.

Chairman Chung has led the transformation of the Group’s global perception by introducing revered design chiefs from within the industry, including Peter Schreyer and Luc Donckerwolke. Under Chairman Chung’s leadership, the Group has developed a design-led focus with products that appeal to the European consumer. Formal recognition of this successful strategy is evident in numerous design awards presented to Hyundai and Kia over recent years.

Chairman Chung held the position of President of Kia from 2005 to 2009 before becoming vice-chairman and then chairman of the Hyundai Motor Group, with responsibility for diverse affiliate companies in the automotive, steel and construction industries, including Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation. His leadership has been recognised with numerous industry accolades, including ‘Top 200 next generation leaders’ by World Economic Forum and ‘Most Influential Korean Leaders: Global Business’ by Fortune Korea.