Currently, the company owns Hyundai operates the second largest automobile manufacturing facility in Ulsan , South Korea which has an annual production capacity of 1. Hyundai vehicles are sold in countries through 5, dealerships and showrooms. Hyundai Motor Company was later established in , and the company's first model, the Cortina , was released in cooperation with Ford Motor Company in He in turn hired five other top British car engineers. Exports began in the following year to Ecuador and soon thereafter to the Benelux countries.
Hyundai entered the British market in , selling cars in their first year there. In , Hyundai began exporting the Pony to Canada, but not to the United States, as the Pony would not pass emissions standards there. Canadian sales greatly exceeded expectations, and it was at one point the top-selling car on the Canadian market.
In , the one millionth Hyundai car was built. The import of these knocked down kits was permitted as long as Hyundai exported five cars for every single Granada brought in the same demands were placed on Kia. In , Hyundai began to sell cars in the United States, and the Excel was nominated as "Best Product 10" by Fortune magazine, largely because of its affordability.
The company began to produce models with its own technology in , beginning with the midsize Sonata. In the spring of , aggregate production of Hyundai automobiles reached the four million mark.
In , Hyundai began to overhaul its image in an attempt to establish itself as a world-class brand. It added a year or ,mile , km warranty to cars sold in the United States and launched an aggressive marketing campaign. Power and Associates in North America. In , the South Korean government initiated an investigation of Chung Mong-koo 's practices as head of Hyundai, suspecting him of corruption. In , Hyundai started an initiative to focus on improving vehicle dynamics in its vehicles and hired Albert Biermann, former Vice President of Engineering at BMW M , to direct chassis development for Hyundai vehicles, stating: "The company intends to become a technical leader in ride and handling, producing vehicles that lead their respective segments for driver engagement.
