India is poised to become the first market outside Korea where Hyundai will be listed. As it prepares for its debut on the stock exchanges, the Korean automotive giant has outlined a plan to invest Rs 320 billion in the country over the next 8-10 years. Tarun Garg, the COO of Hyundai Motor India, expressed that the company believes this is the right time to take a significant step forward and further Indianise its operations, aiming to establish itself as a trusted brand in India.
To secure a larger share of the Indian market, Hyundai recognizes the importance of products tailored to local needs, whether developed in India or not. This strategy requires robust local engineering and research and development (R&D) operations. Sources indicate that Hyundai is planning to increase its previously announced investment of Rs 14 billion for an advanced test track in Telangana by an additional Rs 6 billion. Furthermore, the company is considering an extra Rs 2 billion investment to enhance its R&D centre in Hyderabad. However, Hyundai Motor India did not provide specific details regarding these plans. The Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Wangdo Hur, mentioned that the company would focus on enhancing its R&D capabilities for future growth.
On a broader scale, Garg noted that Hyundai would introduce more aggressive products, improve its R&D capabilities, and incorporate advanced technologies. The company’s approach is similar to what Maruti Suzuki India undertook a few years ago, when it established a significant Rs 38 billion R&D and engineering hub in Rohtak, Haryana.
After 26 years in the Indian market, where it began its journey with the tallboy hatchback Santro, Hyundai is intensifying its efforts in its third-largest market (after the USA and Korea). The company has expanded its production capacity in India by 30% with the acquisition of a plant in Talegaon, near Pune, capable of producing 250,000 units per annum. This expansion also provides a logistical advantage for better access to both domestic and export markets.
