Hyundai Motor Group has been selected as one of TIME magazine’s ‘2025 World’s 100 Most Influential Companies’ in the ‘Leaders’ category, announced on June 26 (local time).
Since 2021, TIME has annually published its list recognizing the most impactful companies worldwide. The magazine’s selection process involves nominations by correspondents, editors, and industry experts from around the globe. The finalists are evaluated based on influence, innovation, and leadership, and are categorized into five sectors: Leaders, Disruptors, Innovators, Titans, and Pioneers. Each category highlights 20 companies that have demonstrated outstanding performance over the year.
This marks Hyundai Motor Group’s second appearance on the list, following its inclusion in the ‘Innovators’ category in 2023. Notably, it is the only Korean company selected in 2025, reaffirming its stature as a leading figure in South Korea’s automotive industry and its global competitiveness.
TIME highlighted Hyundai’s steady growth, stating, “Hyundai Motor Group’s leap to become a top global automaker with the third-highest sales in 2024 is no coincidence.” The article noted the company’s impressive rise in sales, particularly in the U.S. market, driven by the positive reception of its electric and hybrid vehicles, which have received numerous awards. TIME referred to Hyundai as an “auto industry dark horse” due to its rapid expansion and innovation.
Last year, Hyundai Motor Group achieved a combined sales volume of 7.23 million units, ranking third worldwide. The group’s products have been recognized multiple times in the prestigious ‘World Car of the Year’ award—winning five times over the past six years—serving as proof of their technological and competitive excellence.
Furthermore, Hyundai has continued to expand its presence in the U.S., where it’s projected to reach cumulative sales of 30 million vehicles by the end of this year. Since entering the American market in 1986, Hyundai and Kia have sold approximately 29.81 million units (Hyundai about 17.39 million, Kia about 12.42 million).
Last year alone, Hyundai sold 911,805 units and Kia 796,488 units in the U.S., setting new records. The companies have maintained a growth rate of around 11% through May of this year.
Hyundai Motor Group is currently making a massive investment of 24.3 trillion won domestically this year—the largest ever—and plans to invest $21 billion over four years in the U.S. alone by 2028 to strengthen future competitiveness. The group continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and global expansion.
