SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung, the late founding chairman Ju-yung Chung, and honorary chairman Mong-Koo Chung have been recognised with the Automotive News Centennial Award for their outstanding contribution to the global automotive industry.
Automotive News named the leaders as key figures in driving the advancement of mobility, with the group’s automotive brands Hyundai Motor, Kia and Genesis having achieved significant success most recently under Euisun’s leadership.
Euisun has elevated the group to a global top three automaker since his inauguration as executive chair in October 2020, building on the legacy of his father Mong-Koo, and his grandfather, Ju-yung.
His bold vision, customer-centric focus, and transformative contributions have propelled Hyundai Motor Group to become one of the most ambitious and forward-looking companies in global mobility.
“I am honored to receive this Automotive News Centennial Award and the recognition from such a respected voice in our industry,” said Euisun.
Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung
Euisun’s tenure has seen Hyundai Motor Group accelerate investment in electrification, hydrogen fuel cell technology, software-defined vehicles, robotics, autonomous driving, and advanced air mobility.
Under his leadership, Hyundai Motor and Kia have won a total of 12 World Car Awards, including four consecutive World Car of the Year titles since 2022 with the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Kia EV9 and, most recently in 2025, the Kia EV3.
Euisun has led the evolution of Hyundai Motor, Kia and the Genesis luxury brand into a new era, overseeing the development next-generation platforms and software, future design directions, and customer-focused services that will define the vehicles of tomorrow.
Commenting on Euisun's Centennial Award, president and CEO of Crain Communications and publisher of Automotive News KC Crain said, "For three generations, the Chung family has shaped the global automotive industry through vision, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence."
"Under Euisun’s leadership, Hyundai Motor Group has honored that legacy while transforming into a global powerhouse – leading in sales, technology, quality, and style, and earning deep customer loyalty along the way."
Hyundai Motor Group honorary chairman Mong-Koo Chung
Automotive News also recognised the Chung family’s legacy, including Ju-yung and Mong-Koo’s impact and influence since Hyundai was founded.
Their vision and leadership transformed Korea into an automotive powerhouse, serving as an engine for the nation’s economic development.
Ju-yung, a pioneering entrepreneur whose belief that “nothing is impossible”, set the stage for Korea’s industrial rise and the global success of Hyundai.
His son, Mong-Koo, was instrumental in the group’s global expansion and brand evolution.
Under his guidance, Hyundai and Kia became household names around the world, known for quality, reliability, and value.
Hyundai Motor Group late founding chairman Ju-yung Chung
“My grandfather always used to say, ‘Follow the flow of the times,’ and focused on people. That really stuck with me. He believed — and I still do — that our customers are the ones shaping the future, and it’s our job to really listen to them and respond,” said Euisun.
“It’s where our customer-first approach really took root for me. It taught me that we should never be afraid to face new challenges and act in ways that earn credibility and trust with our customers.”
“My father also had a huge influence on me. He continuously looked for global opportunities, whether in advanced or emerging markets, and achieved so much for Hyundai with this approach,” added Euisun.
“He was a super manager and deeply committed to the fundamentals, especially quality and safety. His drive to improve our R&D capabilities and get things right really shaped the Group’s management philosophy today.”
