Latest news with #JoseMunoz
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hyundai and Genesis Launch Texas Flood Relief Program for Kerrville and Surrounding Communities
Hyundai and Genesis donate $150,000 toward Texas flood relief efforts FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the devastating floods impacting Kerrville and surrounding communities in Texas, Hyundai and Genesis Motor America have launched a comprehensive disaster relief initiative to support residents, first responders, and affected vehicle owners. The program includes a $150,000 donation, direct customer relief, and coordinated assistance with community partners and government agencies. "Our hearts go out to all those affected by the devastating floods in Texas," said José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. "On behalf of our teams and partners, Hyundai and Genesis support the community and relief organizations to assist with the recovery. We are grateful for the first responders and those on the ground assisting. We will continue to look for meaningful ways to support the recovery." As part of the relief effort, Hyundai and Genesis together will donate $75,000 to each of the American Red Cross and the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to aid emergency response, sheltering, and long-term community recovery efforts. These donations directly support residents in FEMA-declared disaster areas and bolster the frontline work of volunteers and first responders. "Hyundai and Genesis stand with the people of Kerrville, the Hill Country, and all Texans affected by this catastrophic flooding," said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America. "Texas has always welcomed our brands with strength and pride. In return, we are committed to showing up with compassion, action, and meaningful support for those facing unimaginable loss. Our thoughts are with the families, businesses, and communities working to rebuild during this difficult time." Additionally, Hyundai Capital America, including Hyundai Motor Finance and Genesis Finance, is offering payment relief options for eligible customers affected by the floods.* Customers in impacted regions can contact their respective finance providers for hardship support and individualized assistance. Texas Flood Relief Buyer and Owner Assistance Hyundai Capital America support available for affected customers in FEMA-declared counties* $1,000 toward the purchase or lease of a new 2025 Hyundai** $2,000 toward the purchase or lease of a new 2025 Genesis*** Extended roadside assistance for eligible impacted owners**** *Hyundai Motor Finance and Genesis Finance will provide financial hardship support options for affected customers living and working in designated evacuated areas. If you are affected, please contact: HMF: (800) 523-4030 or GF: (844) 363-7477. **The $1,000 Texas Flood Relief Buyer and Owner Assistance must be applied toward the purchase or lease of a new 2025 or 2026 model year Hyundai vehicle from a participating Hyundai dealer. Customer must be the current registered owner or lessee of a vehicle damaged as a result of the flooding that occurred on July 4, 2025 along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas (the "Texas Flood"), and customer must provide a letter from their insurance company clearly identifying the vehicle make and model, the amount of damage the vehicle incurred and proof that the damage was a result of the Texas Flood. The new Hyundai vehicle must be purchased or leased between July 15, 2025 and January 2, 2026, and must be financed through Hyundai Motor Finance. $1,000 Texas Flood Relief Buyer and Owner Assurance must be applied to reduce the down payment for a retail purchase contract or as a capitalized cost reduction for a vehicle lease contract and may affect final negotiated price. Limit of one per damaged vehicle and applied once to eligible new vehicle purchase or lease. Customer must take delivery of new vehicle from dealer stock by January 2, 2026. Offer may not be combined with other special offers except where specified. Not all customers will qualify. Actual dealer price may vary. See your participating Hyundai dealer for full details. Offer ends January 2, 2026. ***The $2,000 Texas Flood Relief Buyer and Owner Assistance must be applied toward the purchase or lease of a new 2025 or 2026 model year Genesis vehicle from a participating Genesis retailer. Customer must be the current registered owner or lessee of a vehicle damaged as a result of the Texas Flood, and customer must provide a letter from their insurance company clearly identifying the vehicle make and model, the amount of damage the vehicle incurred and proof that the damage was a result of the Texas Flood. The new Genesis vehicle must be purchased or leased between July 15, 2025 and January 2, 2026, and must be financed through Genesis Finance. $2,000 Texas Flood Relief Buyer and Owner Assurance must be applied to reduce the down payment for a retail purchase contract or as a capitalized cost reduction for a vehicle lease contract and may affect final negotiated price. Limit of one per damaged vehicle and applied once to eligible new vehicle purchase or lease. Customer must take delivery of new vehicle from retailer stock by January 2, 2026. Offer may not be combined with other special offers except where specified. Not all customers will qualify. Actual retailer price may vary. See your participating Genesis retailer for full details. Offer ends January 2, 2026. ****Hyundai Roadside Assistance services are provided through the American Automobile Association, Inc., Heathrow, FL, and its affiliated motor clubs, which are independent contractors of Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America makes no guarantee or warranty regarding the services provided by the American Automobile Association, Inc. and its clubs, and is not liable for the actions of their employees or subcontractors. The Hyundai Roadside Assistance program does not include reimbursement for any costs/charges for repairs, parts, labor, property loss, or any other expenses incurred as a result of accident/collision, vehicle abuse, racing, vandalism, or other items not covered by the Hyundai New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Also excluded are services for snow tires, repairs to studs, mounting or demounting of snow chains, any fines, fees, or taxes associated with impound towing as a result of any actual or alleged violation of any law or regulation. Hyundai Motor America reserves the right to limit services or reimbursement to any owner or driver when, in Hyundai Motor America's judgment, the claims are excessive in nature, frequency or type of occurrence. Hyundai:Extended Hyundai Roadside Assistance services are provided for current Hyundai owners and lessees living and working in areas affected by the flooding that occurred on July 4, 2025 along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas (the "Texas Flood"). If you are affected, please contact Hyundai Customer Care at (800) 633-5151. Hyundai Roadside Assistance is provided through the American Automobile Association, Inc., Heathrow, FL, and its affiliated motor clubs, which are independent contractors of Hyundai Motor America. Hyundai Motor America makes no guarantee or warranty regarding the services provided by the American Automobile Association, Inc. and its clubs, and is not liable for the actions of their employees or subcontractors. Extended Hyundai Roadside Assistance Program includes towing to the nearest Hyundai dealer or Hyundai Certified Collision Center from the affected area, lock out and low fuel assistance, battery services, and potential towing of a total loss vehicle to a salvage yard. All other standard Hyundai Roadside Assistance services are excluded under the Extended Hyundai Roadside Assistance program. Hyundai Motor America reserves the right to limit services or reimbursement to any owner or driver when, in Hyundai Motor America's judgment, the claims are excessive in nature, frequency or type of occurrence. See for full Hyundai Roadside Assistance program details. Extended Hyundai Roadside Assistance ends September 30, 2025. Genesis:Extended Genesis Roadside Assistance services are provided for current Genesis owners and lessees living and working in areas affected by the Texas Flood. If you are affected, please contact Genesis Customer Assistance Center at (844) 340-9741. Genesis Roadside Assistance is provided through the American Automobile Association, Inc., Heathrow, FL, and its affiliated motor clubs, which are independent contractors of Genesis Motor America. Genesis Motor America makes no guarantee or warranty regarding the services provided by the American Automobile Association, Inc. and its clubs, and is not liable for the actions of their employees or subcontractors. Extended Genesis Roadside Assistance Program includes towing to the nearest Genesis retailer or Genesis Certified Collision Center from the affected area, lock out and low fuel assistance, battery services, and potential towing of a total loss vehicle to a salvage yard. All other standard Genesis Roadside Assistance services are excluded under the Extended Genesis Roadside Assistance program. Genesis Motor America reserves the right to limit services or reimbursement to any owner or driver when, in Genesis Motor America's judgment, the claims are excessive in nature, frequency or type of occurrence. See for full Genesis Roadside Assistance program details. Extended Genesis Roadside Assistance ends September 30, 2025. Hyundai Motor AmericaHyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
Korea Herald
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Hyundai amps up EV performance with Ioniq 6 N launch
Korean automaker unleashes 650-horsepower speedster at UK's premier motor event Hyundai Motor unveiled the Ioniq 6 N at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England, on Thursday, bolstering its high-performance all-electric vehicle resume. 'With Ioniq 6 N, Hyundai N aims to elevate its offerings, enticing drivers with electric powertrains that offer high-performance enthusiasts a thrilling new avenue to electrify their passion both on the road and the track,' said Jose Munoz, CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. The Ioniq 6 N's key technical advancements, such as its fully redesigned suspension geometry and an improved virtual gear shift system called the N e-Shift, led to a maximum 650 horsepower and 770 newton-meters of torque. According to the automaker, the powerful acceleration system allows the Ioniq 6 N to reach 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.2 seconds from standstill with a top speed of 257 kph. The new high-performance EV measures 4,935 millimeters in length, 1,940 mm in width and 1,495 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,965 mm. It also includes an 84-kilowatt-hour high-voltage battery. The EV's projected driving range was not disclosed as the automaker is expected to announce the figure at each regional market launch. Hyundai Motor highlighted that the Ioniq 6 N was developed on the three-pillar philosophy of the high-performance N brand: corner rascal, racetrack capability and everyday sports car. The high-performance EV boasts N Battery, the brand's revamped battery management system that can adapt to various track driving scenarios for higher and longer-lasting performance. Donning a new color named Performance Blue Pearl, the Ioniq 6 N exhibits a reengineered chassis beneath its shiny exterior for better track performance while maintaining the comfort of daily driving. A lowered roll center also offers greater stability at high speeds and an improved cornering grip. According to Hyundai Motor, the Ioniq 6 N has been equipped with new stroke-sensing electronically controlled suspension dampers, which allow for a wide range of damping force adjustments for more responsive handling in different driving conditions. 'Ioniq 6 N combines formidable power, sophisticated battery management, aerodynamic mastery and advanced suspension systems to deliver a compelling blend of speed, stability and comfort, setting new benchmarks in modern automotive engineering,' said Manfred Harrer, head of vehicle development tech unit at Hyundai Motor. Hyundai Motor once again chose this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed for the world premiere of the Ioniq 6 N. The Korean automaker unveiled its first all-electric high-performance sport utility vehicle, the Ioniq 5 N, at the same international motorsports event in 2023. Hyundai Motor plans to display the Ioniq 6 N at Lotte Premium Outlet in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, for the first time in Korea from Saturday to July 20.
The Independent
08-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Brazen murders threaten Mexico City's tourism as safety image at risk
On a Tuesday morning along a busy Mexico City avenue last month, a secretary to the city's mayor pulled her black Audi SUV up to a metro station to pick up a colleague. Their killer was waiting for them. The assassin shot the political staffers at point-blank range through the windshield, and then through the driver's window, before breaking into a sprint and disappearing into the city's morning bustle, CCTV video of the attack seen by Reuters shows. The murders of Ximena Guzman, a secretary to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada, and Jose Munoz, the mayor's adviser, immediately sent shockwaves through Mexico City's political and business elite. Not only was this kind of targeted political violence unusual in Mexico City, many of them believed the murders were a clear message to Brugada from organized crime groups to give them free rein. With around 30,000 homicides a year, Mexico has one of the highest murder rates in the world behind Myanmar, Honduras, and Jamaica according to a 2023 report by the UN. But the violence is almost entirely in areas outside the capital: all but one of the 37 candidates for local and federal office killed in the run-up to national elections last year were outside Mexico City. Experts have pointed to powerful drug cartels as the perpetrators. Reuters spoke to five business people who referred to the murders as shocking and terrifying, but declined to be named for fear of putting themselves at risk. One bank executive said he already uses an armored vehicle and didn't expect to boost security measures further. Not since the dramatic assassination attempt in 2020 of Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch -- now Mexico's Security Minister -- has the capital seen what at least two experts said is a blatant effort to intimidate its political leaders. The killings have, at least momentarily, pierced the city's reputation as a safe haven from the country's widespread political violence. There is much at stake for the capital. Mexico City is the country's beating heart: a business, political and tourist hub vital to both the functioning of Latin America's second largest economy and its global image. Any sense the city is no longer safe could deal a devastating blow to its image, especially as Mexico co-hosts the 2026 soccer World Cup alongside Canada and the United States. The Mexico City attorney general's office has not released findings from its ongoing investigation into the crime or identified a suspect. But three security analysts told Reuters the public nature of the attack and its high-profile targets point to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the most powerful criminal groups in Mexico and labeled by the U.S. as a terrorist organization. The killings showed signs of meticulous preparation, said David Saucedo, a security expert in Mexico City who advises state governments and companies on security issues. He noted they occurred during President Claudia Sheinbaum 's morning press conference, where she touted arrests and the confiscation of weapons from criminal groups across several states. "They did it with the objective of dismantling Claudia Sheinbaum's narrative," Saucedo said. "If you want to make a big media splash, you do it in the capital." Mexico City's government and the presidency did not respond to requests for comment. After the killings, Brugada promised the crime would not go unpunished and that her government would continue its fight against violent crime. Mexico City police said the case is being investigated with "the same rigor that every homicide in the city is investigated with." Mexico City in recent years has become a tourist hotspot, with over a million tourists landing at the capital's airport between January and March this year, following only Cancun as the country's airport with the heaviest traffic. Safety has been vital to the city's renaissance as an attractive destination for business and tourism. Between 2019 and 2023, when Sheinbaum was the city's mayor, homicides in the city plummeted by roughly half, according to federal government data - a record she campaigned on in her successful bid the for the presidency. Still, the presence of drug cartels in Mexico City remains beneath the surface. Business owners say it is common for organized crime groups to force nightclubs to allow them to sell drugs in their bathrooms, while some restaurants are told to make extortion payments to operate. Some of the city's wealthier residents have been taking more precautions in recent months, said Fernando Ortega, from Blindaje Diamante, an armored car shop in Mexico City, noting a rise in sales of armored cars this year. "There is a market that might not have the budget for a full armoring, but wants to feel protected," Ortega said. Security analysts say Brugada now faces a dilemma - she cannot let the crime go unpunished but a hardline response risks retaliatory attacks in the city from criminal groups. That mirrors the broader security challenge in the country, especially as U.S. President Donald Trump demands a stronger response to organized crime in Mexico. "Mexico is stuck between a rock and a hard place," said David Shirk, a professor at the University of San Diego, who studies security issues in Mexico.
Reuters
05-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Brazen murders threaten Mexico City's image as pocket of safety in violent nation
MEXICO CITY, June 5 (Reuters) - On a Tuesday morning along a busy Mexico City avenue last month, a secretary to the city's mayor pulled her black Audi SUV up to a metro station to pick up a colleague. Their killer was waiting for them. The assassin shot the political staffers at point-blank range through the windshield, and then through the driver's window, before breaking into a sprint and disappearing into the city's morning bustle, CCTV video of the attack seen by Reuters shows. The murders of Ximena Guzman, a secretary to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada, and Jose Munoz, the mayor's adviser, immediately sent shockwaves through Mexico City's political and business elite. Not only was this kind of targeted political violence unusual in Mexico City, many of them believed the murders were a clear message to Brugada from organized crime groups to give them free rein. With around 30,000 homicides a year, Mexico has one of the highest murder rates in the world behind Myanmar, Honduras, and Jamaica according to a 2023 report by the UN, opens new tab. But the violence is almost entirely in areas outside the capital: all but one of the 37 candidates for local and federal office killed in the run-up to national elections last year were outside Mexico City. Experts have pointed to powerful drug cartels as the perpetrators. Reuters spoke to five business people who referred to the murders as shocking and terrifying, but declined to be named for fear of putting themselves at risk. One bank executive said he already uses an armored vehicle and didn't expect to boost security measures further. Not since the dramatic assassination attempt in 2020 of Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch -- now Mexico's Security Minister -- has the capital seen what at least two experts said is a blatant effort to intimidate its political leaders. The killings have, at least momentarily, pierced the city's reputation as a safe haven from the country's widespread political violence. There is much at stake for the capital. Mexico City is the country's beating heart: a business, political and tourist hub vital to both the functioning of Latin America's second largest economy and its global image. Any sense the city is no longer safe could deal a devastating blow to its image, especially as Mexico co-hosts the 2026 soccer World Cup alongside Canada and the United States. The Mexico City attorney general's office has not released findings from its ongoing investigation into the crime or identified a suspect. But three security analysts told Reuters the public nature of the attack and its high-profile targets point to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the most powerful criminal groups in Mexico and labeled by the U.S. as a terrorist organization. The killings showed signs of meticulous preparation, said David Saucedo, a security expert in Mexico City who advises state governments and companies on security issues. He noted they occurred during President Claudia Sheinbaum's morning press conference, where she touted arrests and the confiscation of weapons from criminal groups across several states. "They did it with the objective of dismantling Claudia Sheinbaum's narrative," Saucedo said. "If you want to make a big media splash, you do it in the capital." Mexico City's government and the presidency did not respond to requests for comment. After the killings, Brugada promised the crime would not go unpunished and that her government would continue its fight against violent crime. Mexico City police said the case is being investigated with "the same rigor that every homicide in the city is investigated with." Mexico City in recent years has become a tourist hotspot, with over a million tourists landing at the capital's airport between January and March this year, following only Cancun as the country's airport with the heaviest traffic. Safety has been vital to the city's renaissance as an attractive destination for business and tourism. Between 2019 and 2023, when Sheinbaum was the city's mayor, homicides in the city plummeted by roughly half, according to federal government data - a record she campaigned on in her successful bid the for the presidency. Still, the presence of drug cartels in Mexico City remains beneath the surface. Business owners say it is common for organized crime groups to force nightclubs to allow them to sell drugs in their bathrooms, while some restaurants are told to make extortion payments to operate. Some of the city's wealthier residents have been taking more precautions in recent months, said Fernando Ortega, from Blindaje Diamante, an armored car shop in Mexico City, noting a rise in sales of armored cars this year. "There is a market that might not have the budget for a full armoring, but wants to feel protected," Ortega said. Security analysts say Brugada now faces a dilemma - she cannot let the crime go unpunished but a hardline response risks retaliatory attacks in the city from criminal groups. That mirrors the broader security challenge in the country, especially as U.S. President Donald Trump demands a stronger response to organized crime in Mexico. "Mexico is stuck between a rock and a hard place," said David Shirk, a professor at the University of San Diego, who studies security issues in Mexico.
Forbes
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Hyundai's CEO Jose Munoz's Vision Of Future Of Mobility & Hyundai
I recently had the chance to talk to José Muñoz, the President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, and it was a deeply insightful conversation. We spoke at length about the megatrends impacting the future of mobility, his views on the car of the future, and his vision for making Hyundai the leader in both passenger cars and commercial vehicle sales, among other things. Check out the exclusive interview, available on MarketsandMarkets, in which he shares insights on how the automotive giant is managing disruption through dynamic capabilities and strategic diversification. Hyundai CEO Jose Munoz The mobility sector is at an unprecedented crossroads, at the brink of perhaps the perfect storm of technological, social, and economic disruption. In an exclusive conversation, José Muñoz, President and Global CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, provides compelling insights into how one of the world's largest automakers is not just adapting to change but actively shaping the future of mobility. The Megatrends Shaping the Future of Mobility As a true visionary leader, José sees several megatrends converging that will reshape mobility. These include the rapid advancement of AI and digital connectivity—which, as per him, will shape personalised driving and digital living experiences—advanced driver assistance systems, and entirely new mobility services. He also sees social trends like demographics (shifting mobility ownership expectations from Gen Z and millennials) and geopolitics shifting supply chains and manufacturing footprints globally. However, the one trend that he feels is a true game-changer is that the convergence of mobility and energy represents the defining trend of our time. 'Our Executive Chair's vision of 'Progress for Humanity' recognizes that the future of transportation is inseparable from how we generate, store, and use energy', he explains. This philosophy has driven Hyundai Motor Group's bold diversification beyond traditional automotive boundaries into robotics with Boston Dynamics, advanced air mobility through Supernal, and hydrogen infrastructure via HTWO. This integrated approach reflects what Muñoz describes as Hyundai's cultural DNA—balancing ppalli-ppalli (fast-fast) execution with miri-miri (in advance) strategic thinking. The philosophy has enabled Hyundai to respond dynamically to market shifts while keeping its long-term vision intact. The Multi-Energy Reality As the automotive industry struggles to find the right pace of transitioning to electric vehicles, Hyundai has chosen a guarded approach that could yet be ahead of its time. Its hybrid vehicle sales grew 85% in the US market last year, validating its diversified powertrain strategy. 'Our business is ultimately driven by consumer demand, not regulatory mandates', Muñoz emphasizes, revealing Hyundai's plans to double its hybrid electric vehicle portfolio from 7 to 14 models and sell more than 1.3 million hybrid EVs annually by 2028. He explains that the increase in hybrids isn't a retreat from electrification but rather a sophisticated understanding of market realities and consumer demands. Hyundai's manufacturing flexibility allows it to produce multiple powertrains on the same line, providing crucial adaptability as markets evolve at different speeds globally. And while the company's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2045 remains unchanged, its path there considers the diverse needs of consumers across various regions and use cases. A Diversified & Customised Product Portfolio When quizzed about Hyundai's stellar product portfolio, Muñoz outlined a comprehensive approach that balanced stability with opportunity. 'We'll continue to maintain a broad portfolio while making strategic bets in high-growth segments. Our fundamentals are strong—we're building high-quality, safety-focused, eco-friendly vehicles across all major segments, and this diversity gives us stability while allowing us to capture emerging opportunities'. The strategy spans from continued SUV and crossover expansion, where models like the Tucson, Santa Fe, and PALISADE demonstrate market strength, to significant luxury growth through the Genesis brand, which has established itself as a legitimate contender in just ten years with stunning design and exceptional quality. He also has enormous confidence in the three-row IONIQ 9 EV, which he confirms is 'generating tremendous interest', as well as in the electrified Genesis GV70 and other upcoming models. From a product perspective, Muñoz emphasized that their approach transcends traditional categorization: 'Ultimately, our product strategy is guided by customer needs rather than internal preferences. We maintain the flexibility to adjust our portfolio mix as market conditions evolve—a key component of our Dynamic Capabilities approach, with manufacturing processes designed to allow rapid shifts between different models and powertrains based on demand'. Software-Defined Future Though Muñoz agreed that 2025 will be the breakout year for software-defined vehicles, Hyundai is pursuing what Muñoz calls a 'balanced approach'—developing core software capabilities internally while strategically partnering with technology leaders. This hybrid model allows control over customer experience while leveraging external innovation and scale. His strategy rests on three pillars: a unified vehicle architecture enabling over-the-air updates, strengthened internal software capabilities through their Global Software Center, and strategic partnerships like their collaboration with Waymo. This approach recognizes that vehicles require deep hardware-software coordination for safety and reliability. The Consolidation Reality Munoz readily acknowledges that automotive giants like Hyundai have a significant advantage over smaller players when it comes to the high investments required for electrification, software development, and new mobility services. However, he clarifies that Hyundai's approach to consolidation is selective and strategic, focusing more on companies that can help improve Hyundai's core capabilities or give them an edge in adjacent spaces. And this can be readily seen in their acquisition of Boston Dynamics and 42dot, which align with their long-term vision rather than growth for growth's sake. 'Our priority is building on the strong foundation we've established and delivering on our ambitious growth targets for 2030', Muñoz states. Hydrogen: The Long Game Hyundai's forward-thinking approach is prominently seen in its take on hydrogen. While other manufacturers have shifted hydrogen fuel cells to the back burner, Hyundai believes they will be a game-changer in the future and continues to invest heavily in them. In fact, its XCIENT fuel cell trucks are already in production and have proven commercial viability in Switzerland, Korea, and the United States. Muñoz's perspective on hydrogen extends beyond individual vehicles to encompass an entire ecosystem. 'The beauty of hydrogen is that it takes us beyond mobility toward an integrated ecosystem—from production to storage, transport, and delivery', he notes. This vision aligns with the company's broader strategy of addressing both mobility and energy challenges simultaneously. Redefining Growth in a Zero-Sum World The automotive industry is facing what Muñoz describes as four 'innovating to zero' disruptions: zero emissions, zero deaths, zero congestion, and potentially zero growth in traditional vehicle sales. His response to this challenge reveals sophisticated strategic thinking that goes well beyond conventional automotive approaches. Rather than simply pushing more vehicles into saturated markets, Munoz wants to create new value sources through localization, expansion into new markets, development of mobility services, and diversification into adjacent sectors. The company's USD 21 billion investment in US operations over four years, creating 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, exemplifies this approach. 'If we view ourselves as mobility providers rather than just vehicle manufacturers, tremendous growth opportunities remain,' Muñoz says, while explaining that combating 'zero growth' requires companies to fundamentally rethink business models to be successful. A Blueprint for Transformation I came away from our conversation with a portrait of a company that has successfully balanced multiple seemingly contradictory imperatives: maintaining broad product portfolios while making strategic bets, pursuing electrification while expanding hybrid offerings, developing internal capabilities while forming strategic partnerships, and planning for the long term while executing with speed. Whether Hyundai has cracked the code for the future of mobility remains to be seen. Still, there is no denying the fact that it has created a powerful and believable blueprint for manufacturers looking to navigate the coming changes in the automotive industry. By maintaining what Muñoz calls 'dynamic capabilities' or Hyundai's cultural DNA—the ability to respond quickly to market shifts while staying focused on long-term goals—Hyundai has positioned itself to survive the current disruption and emerge as a leader in the mobility ecosystem of the future. As the automotive industry continues its transformation, Hyundai's strategy of diversified resilience combined with focused innovation may well prove to be the winning formula for sustained success in an uncertain future. Read the detailed interview here on Markets and Markets Platform
