Hyundai is celebrating 40 years in Australia, having sold 2.2 million vehicles since entering the market with the Excel hatchback in August 1986.
The brand began with a single Perth dealership after local dealer John Hughes and entrepreneur Alan Bond secured the Australian distribution rights.
Hughes says Hyundai sold only eight vehicles in its first month, but finished 1986 with 1,756 sales.
“I can remember that we only sold a total of eight cars in our very first month back in 1986, however by the end of the year a respectable 1,756 Hyundai cars had been sold,” says Hughes.
“I’ve enjoyed a wonderful ride with the Hyundai brand, so much so, that starting in the late 90’s we were the biggest selling Hyundai dealership in the world for six consecutive years.
“The product has stood the test of time and has now grown to be a household name in Australia. It gives me a great feeling of pride every time I see one of my valued customers driving a brand-new Hyundai off our showroom floor.”
The Excel went on to become one of Hyundai’s most recognisable early models in Australia, with more than 250,000 sold locally.
Its well-known A$13,990 drive-away campaign also helped popularise nationally advertised drive-away pricing during the 1990s.
The i30 later became Hyundai Australia’s best-selling model, with more than 450,000 sold since its arrival in 2007.
At its peak, the i30 was Australia’s top-selling vehicle outright seven times between 2015 and 2017. It recorded 6,432 sales in June 2016, topping the market for a fourth consecutive month.
Hyundai also points to its warranty programme as a major part of its growth in Australia.
It introduced a five-year warranty in 1999 before adding unlimited kilometre cover in 2007. New Hyundai vehicles are now covered by a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty when serviced within the dealer network.
The company says its Australian operation also played an increasing role in local suspension and steering development, reflecting the demands of local road conditions.
More recently, Hyundai’s focus has shifted towards performance, hydrogen technology and electrification.
The IONIQ became the first Australian nameplate to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric powertrains in 2018, followed by the KONA Electric in 2019.
The NEXO became the first hydrogen-powered vehicle certified for sale in Australia in 2021.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 went on to win the 2022 World Car of the Year title, while the IONIQ 5 N was named 2024 World Performance Car and became Hyundai’s first winner of the Wheels Car of the Year award.
Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive Don Romano says the anniversary is ultimately about the customers, dealers and employees behind the brand’s growth.
“When I look back over the past 40 years, I don’t just see vehicles or milestones – I see millions of Australians who gave Hyundai a chance,” says Romano.
“For many Australians, a Hyundai was their first new car. For others it became the family car they relied on, the car they learned to drive in or the vehicle that took them on holiday around the country. That’s what we’re celebrating.
“Hyundai has always believed progress comes from challenging expectations. We’ve never been afraid to do things differently, and I think our customers have recognised and rewarded that over the past 40 years.
“None of this would have been possible without our customers, dealer partners and employees. They’ve all played a part in shaping Hyundai’s Australian story, and we’re incredibly grateful to every one of them.”
