• 1947 – Chung Ju-Yung founds the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company.
• 1967 – Hyundai Motor Company Established.
• 1968 – The company’s first model, the Cortina released in co-operation with Ford Motor Company.
• 1975 – The Pony, the first Korean car released, with styling by Giorgio Giugiaro of Ital Design and powertrain technology provided by Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors.
• 1976 – Exports begin to Ecuador and soon thereafter to the Benelux countries.
• 1986 – Hyundai begins to sell cars in the United States, and the Excel was nominated as “Best Product #10″ by Fortune magazine, largely because of affordability.
• 1988 – Hyundai begins to produce models with its own technology, beginning with the midsize Sonata.
• 1991 – Succeeds in developing first proprietary gasoline engine, the 4-cylinder Alpha, and transmission, paving way for technological independence.
• 1996 – Hyundai Motors India Limited established with production plant in Irrungattukatoi near Chennai, India.
• 1998 – Hyundai begins to overhaul its image in an attempt to establish itself as a world-class brand.
• 1999 – Chung Ju Yung transfers leadership of Hyundai to his son, Chung Mong Koo. Hyundai heavily invests in the quality, design, manufacturing, and long-term research of its vehicles. Adds a 10-year or 100,000-mile (160,000 km) warranty to cars sold in the United States and launches aggressive marketing campaign.
• 2004 – Hyundai ranked 2nd in “initial quality” in survey/study by J.D. Power and Associates.
• 2006 – South Korean government initiates investigation of Chung Mong Koo’s practices as head of the company, suspecting him of corruption. Chung arrested on 28 April, charged for embezzlement of 100 billion won (US$106 million). Hyundai Vice Chairman and CEO, Kim Dong-jin, takes over as head of Hyundai.

Here are photos of Hyundai vehicles over the years:

Hyundai has become a very popular vehicle brand in South Africa. One is bound to found 2nd hand vehicles for sale in classifieds publications or on websites.

Related Links:
Hyundai – Official Website.