Chung Mong-koo, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, First Korean Inducted into the U.S. Automotive Hall of Fame

Chairman Chung Eui-sun and Family Attend: "Facing New Challenges and Opportunities... Committed to Delivering the Best Mobility Service"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Chung Mong-koo, Honorary Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, has been inducted into the 'Automotive Hall of Fame,' the world's most prestigious honor in the automotive industry, becoming the first Korean to receive this recognition.

The Automotive Hall of Fame held the '2020·2021 Automotive Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony' on the 22nd (local time) in Detroit, USA, where Honorary Chairman Chung was inducted. The ceremony invited inductees and key figures from various automotive fields, and Hyundai Motor Group was represented by Chairman Chung Eui-sun, who attended as the award recipient on behalf of Honorary Chairman Chung.

Founded in 1939, the American Automotive Hall of Fame selects and inducts individuals who have made significant contributions and played a critical role in the development of the automotive industry and mobility based on achievements that have left a lasting mark on the history of the global automotive industry. The Automotive Hall of Fame had selected Honorary Chairman Chung as the '2020 Inductee' in February last year.

At that time, the Automotive Hall of Fame stated, "(Honorary Chairman Chung) is a global industry leader who brought Hyundai Motor Group to the ranks of success," adding, "His numerous achievements, including the successful revival of Kia, expansion of global production bases, and establishment of a highly efficient business structure, stand shoulder to shoulder with legendary figures in the automotive industry."

At the induction ceremony, in addition to Chairman Chung, his wife Jung Ji-sun, Jung Sung-yi, Advisor of Innocean, Sun Doo-hoon, Chairman of Younghoon Medical Foundation, Chung Tae-young, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Card and Hyundai Capital, Chung Myung-yi, President of Hyundai Card and Hyundai Capital Brand Division, and Chung Yoon-yi, President of Haevichi Hotel & Resort, attended together as family members. From the group, Hyundai Motor President Gong Young-woon, Jose Munoz, President of North America Headquarters, Yoon Seung-gyu, Vice President of Kia North America Headquarters, and John Robb, Director of the U.S. Technology Research Institute, also participated.

During the ceremony, a video highlighting Honorary Chairman Chung's management activities and achievements was screened, and the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle Nexo, the world's first mass-produced hydrogen electric vehicle, along with the electric vehicle Ioniq 5, symbolizing leadership in electrification, were exhibited. Albert Biermann, President of Hyundai Motor and Kia R&D Division, emphasized in the tribute video, "Honorary Chairman Chung is a bold leader with exceptional foresight into the future," adding, "Through expanding global production bases, relentless passion for perfect quality, and full support for research and development, he made Hyundai Motor Group a respected automotive company."

Additionally, the day before the induction ceremony, a marble plaque engraved with Honorary Chairman Chung's handwritten signature was permanently displayed at the 'Automotive Hall of Fame Museum,' a landmark in Detroit, in the presence of his family. This museum exhibits marble plaques of inductees since 1967, including Walter Chrysler, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford, arranged by year.

Chairman Chung, who accepted the award on behalf of Honorary Chairman Chung, said, "Honorary Chairman Chung was honored to be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame, the highest authority in the global automotive industry," and added, "He said this was possible thanks to the global employees, dealers, and customers who trusted Hyundai Motor and Kia, alongside the growth of Hyundai Motor Group."

He continued, "My father grew Hyundai Motor Group from a company with no presence into a global automotive enterprise," emphasizing, "He overcame numerous crises and challenges, fulfilled the dream of founder Chung Ju-yung to enter the global market with an independent brand, and devoted his life to making Hyundai Motor Group a company that employees, customers, and dealers are proud of."

Chairman Chung also stated, "Hyundai Motor Group faces new challenges and opportunities, but we will not stop in realizing the best mobility services," adding, "We will boldly break away from existing frameworks and fulfill our mission of progress for humanity."

Meanwhile, the Automotive Hall of Fame holds an induction ceremony annually to award and commemorate new inductees. This year's event was combined for 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. Along with Honorary Chairman Chung, the 2020 inductees included Thomas Gallagher, former Chairman of Genuine Parts, Helen Roder, former GM automotive designer, broadcaster Jay Leno, and this year's inductees included racecar driver Charlie Wiggins, and early 20th-century American automotive entrepreneurs Charles Richard Patterson and Frederick Patterson.

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