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.