Reviews new plant construction and Group growth strategy
Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung recently visited Saudi Arabia, the Middle East’s largest economy and a nation undergoing major industrial transformation. Chung met with HRH Mohammed Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to review the Group’s local growth strategy and explore future business opportunities.
During his visit, Executive Chair Chung held discussions with HRH the Crown Prince covering a wide range of topics including the automotive industry and smart cities. This marked the first one-on-one meeting between the two leaders, though they had previously met twice, including during the Crown Prince’s 2022 visit to Korea.
“Based on our competitive business capabilities, we are participating in Saudi Arabia’s giga projects and look forward to expanding collaboration in future energy sectors including renewable energy, hydrogen, Small Modular Reactor (SMR), and nuclear energy,” affirmed Chung.
As the Middle East’s largest automotive market, Saudi Arabia is actively attracting global automakers, including Hyundai Motor Company, with the long-term goal of becoming an automotive hub serving not only the Middle East but also North Africa.
New production hub takes shape
Prior to meeting HRH the Crown Prince, Executive Chair Chung visited Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Middle East (HMMME) on October 26 at the King Salman Automotive Cluster to review construction progress. Together with José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, Executive Chair Chung engaged in a business update session with Hyundai Motor and Kia local leaders and held in-depth discussions with employees about growth strategies.
“This plant plays a strategic role in our global mid-term plan while supporting Vision 2030. We’re combining Hyundai’s manufacturing excellence with Saudi Arabia’s talented workforce to deliver mobility solutions across automotive, smart cities, hydrogen energy, and future mobility,” asserted Munoz.
Production facility
HMMME, the first Hyundai Motor production facility in the Middle East, is a cornerstone for establishing Hyundai as a leading brand in Saudi Arabia. The joint venture is 30 percent owned by Hyundai Motor and 70 percent by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Construction began in May 2025, with operations targeted to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The facility will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 units, manufacturing both electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles.
Hyundai Motor Group is also partnering with the MISK Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in 2011, to foster local youth talent and explore smart city collaboration opportunities.
