Hyundai beats VW, Toyota to 100M vehicle milestone as EVs pave way for global sales run
Hyundai just made its 100 millionth vehicle, marking a significant milestone. The accomplishment took just 57 years, much quicker than Toyota, Volkswagen, Ford, and GM. With long-range, fast-charging EVs rolling out, like the new IONIQ 5, Hyundai is laying the groundwork for a global sales run.
Since 1967, Hyundai Motor has been trailblazing its own path in the auto industry. After launching Korea’s first passenger car, the Pony, in 1967, Hyundai continued its innovation streak, with new releases like the Sonata, Excel, and Elantra rolling out in the 1980s and early 90s.
In 1991, Hyundai developed its first EV prototype, the Sonata (Y2) EV. The prototype planted the seeds for Hyundai’s dedicated IONIQ brand of electric vehicles, which was born in 2020.
After launching its first vehicle under the new brand in 2021, the IONIQ 5, Hyundai’s midsize electric SUV, has continued to climb the global sales charts. Hyundai followed it up with the IONIQ 6 “electrified streamliner,” which hit the market in 2022.
Hyundai’s dedicated EVs helped it cross a major milestone, as its 100 millionth car, an IONIQ 5, rolled off the production line on September 30, 2024.
Hyundai hits 100M vehicle milestone in the new EV era
It took 57 years, which may seem like a long time, but Hyundai hit the threshold much quicker than other global auto leaders.
According to industry sources (via The Korea Herald), it took Volkswagen, Toyota, General Motors, and Ford nearly 100 years to reach the same milestone.
Hyundai held a ceremony at its Ulsan Plant, the foundation of its success, saying it is a “central hub for electrification” with a dedicated EV facility on-site.
“This auspicious occasion is just the first step toward the future era of electrification that Hyundai Motor will lead,” Hyundai Motor’s head of domestic productions said at the event. Hyundai stressed the achievement follows its continuous growth with advanced EVs (including Kia and Genesis models) based on its E-GMP platform.
Hyundai continues expanding its global footprint. Last year, it opened a new robot-run smart facility in Singapore, introducing new technology to help it cut costs and accelerate production times.
As early as next month, Hyundai will open its massive new $7.6 billion Metaplant America in Georgia, where it will build new EVs.
The first vehicle to roll off assembly is the updated 2025 IONIQ 5, which features more range and a Tesla NACS port. Later this year, Hyundai will also introduce its first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9.
In Korea, Europe, and other global markets, Hyundai’s low-cost Casper Electric (Inster EV overseas) is rolling out.
With a starting price tag under $27,500 (25,000 euros), Hyundai’s small electric SUV will be one of the most affordable electric cars on the market as the Korean automaker looks to carry its momentum into the EV era.
Electrek’s Take
With some of the most efficient, affordable electric vehicles on the market, Hyundai is already climbing the global sales charts.
In the second quarter, Hyundai Motor (including Kia and Genesis) surpassed Ford and GM to become America’s second-best-selling EV brand behind Tesla. The Korean automaker just had its best-ever total and retail US sales month in August, with nearly 80,000 vehicles sold.
With US production kicking off and new models arriving, Hyundai is laying the foundation to continue gaining market share. In other global markets, Hyundai is also targeting popular segments with unique electric cars.
To secure a leadership role, Hyundai is heavily investing in batteries and other EV tech to cut costs and improve efficiency. For example, just last week, Hyundai and Kia launched a new LFP battery project to power future lower-priced EVs.
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The Mockingbird Solar Center, Ørsted’s largest solar project globally, is now online, next to protected prairie donated by the renewable energy giant.
This massive 468-megawatt (MW) solar farm is set to power 80,000 homes and businesses, providing a major boost to the Texas grid.
But the launch of Mockingbird Solar isn’t just about clean energy – it’s also about restoring precious ecosystems. Ørsted has donated 953 acres of the Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland, which sits next to the solar center, to The Nature Conservancy. The donated land is now the Smiley Meadow Preserve, a protected area for tallgrass prairie that’s home to more than 400 species of grasses and wildflowers.
Tallgrass prairies are some of the rarest ecosystems in the US, with less than 1% of Texas’ original tallgrass prairies still in existence. Tallgrass prairie does a lot of heavy lifting for the environment, including storing carbon, preventing floods, and providing crucial habitats for pollinators.
“Native prairies are the rarest landscapes left in Texas – so much so that many people have never seen one,” said David Bezanson, land protection strategy program director for The Nature Conservancy in Texas. He added that preserving Smiley Meadow will not only conserve one of the best prairie remnants left but also help restore other prairie habitats and boost regional biodiversity.
The Mockingbird Solar Center, a half-billion-dollar project, is part of Ørsted’s $20 billion push to expand renewable energy production across the US. Beyond generating electricity, it will inject $75 million into local property taxes, benefiting schools and other public services. The project also created over 550 construction jobs and will continue to be supported by operations staff moving forward.
Ørsted worked with US companies, including First Solar, for solar panels and partnered with local businesses like Drake Construction and Pfifer Farms for construction materials. It also gave more than $50,000 to local volunteer fire departments in Roxton and Brookston.
With Mockingbird Solar now up and running, Ørsted has more than 6 gigawatts of onshore wind, solar, and battery storage projects either in operation or being built across the US.
Read more: Ørsted got a huge Tesla battery storage system for the world’s single-largest offshore wind farm
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Jeep’s first global luxury electric SUV will arrive at US dealerships any day. Despite its $72,000 price tag, lease prices for the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV start at just $599 per month.
2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV lease prices
After unveiling its first global electric SUV, Jeep’s CEO said the Wagoneer S “marks a new chapter” in its storied history.
Jeep claims the Wagoneer S packs “exhilarating performance.” With 600 hp and 617 lb-ft of torque, the big-body SUV can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Its 100 kWh battery pack also gives it a driving range of over 300 miles.
The electric SUV is unmistakably still a Jeep, but it did get several upgrades to distinguish it as an EV. The grille is now enclosed without the need to cool a massive engine, giving it a sporty, more modern look.
Jeep revamped its design with a new illuminated seven-slot grille with ambient cast lightning. It also fine-tuned its profile, adding flush door handles, a rear wing, and integrated fins for better airflow.
The first Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition models get exclusive dark accent design elements like 20″ Gloss Black Wheels.
Inside, the electric SUV is loaded with the latest tech and connectivity, including a best-in-class 45″ of usable screen space. The setup includes a 12.3″ center screen and an exclusive 10.25″ interactive front passenger screen.
Jeep already announced that the 2024 Wagoneer S EV will start at $71,995, but now the company has revealed lease prices for the first time.
According to Jeep, the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition can be leased for $599 per month for 36 months (10,000 miles per year). The deal includes $4,999 due at signing and a $7,500 EV incentive. However, you may want to act fast, as Jeep’s offer is only good until December 2, 2024.
| Jeep Wagoneer S vs Tesla Model Y | Starting Price | Range | Lease Price |
| Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition | $71,995 | +300 miles | $599/mo |
| Tesla Model Y RWD | $44,990 | 320 miles | $299/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD | $47,990 | 308 miles | $399/mo |
| Tesla Model Y AWD Performance | $51,490 | 279 miles | $599/mo |
In comparison, Tesla Model Y RWD lease prices start at $299 for 36 months with $2,999 down (10,000 miles). The Performance AWD model starts at $599 per month. In an end-of-year promo, Tesla also offers 3 months of free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving.
Ready to drive off in your new electric SUV? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to view offers on the Jeep Wagoneer S and Tesla Model Y at a dealer near you.
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