W Y K Koo

As Hyundai celebrates 20 years in India, we speak to the MD and CEO of Hyundai India on the company’ s past, present and future

These 20 years have been a great journey and a big milestone for Hyundai in its global operations. In such a short span we have become the largest automobile exporter and the second largest car manufacturer in India with sales of over 4.7 million vehicles in the domestic market and exports of over 1.6 million vehicles. Hyundai India is a very important part of HMC’s global operations. Our learnings here are helping us make key decisions at a global level and in other emerging markets. This is my third stint with Hyundai India. It gives me immense pleasure and a sense of pride to celebrate this milestone. With this milestone, we want to become the most loved and trusted brand in India. We aim to offer customers a brilliant experience through Hyundai products and services. Over 20 years, Hyundai has had several successes to its credit in India. Defining moments like the launch of the Santro, which was a gamechanger. A total of 18.5 lakh Santros were sold in domestic and export markets. Hyundai is the only carmaker in India to win 4 Indian Car of The Year (ICOTY) awards of which three are in a row in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Grand i10, Elite i20 and Creta have redefined their respective categories. Hyundai was the first company to introduce the MPFI and CRDi technology in India. Hyundai is committed to introducing two new products in India every year till 2020. We grew 16 per cent last year while the industry grew at 8 per cent. We will continue to win the customer’s trust and will service this market with the momentum that we have already built. Over the next two decades, apart from being a great place to work, we want to become a more trusted, loved and a more premium brand. It is also a big milestone for you since you were on the launch team 20 years ago. HAT DOES THE 20 year milestone mean to Hyundai ? How is India seen in the group in the global scheme of things? Looking back, what would be the key milestones? You’ve taken 20 years to reach the five lakh sales mark. What are your predictions for the next 20 years? We are the third largest automobile market for Hyundai after China and