Hyundai 2014 Annual Report Download - page 7

Message
from the CEO
WE WILL STRIVE
TO BECOME A GLOBAL LEADER
IN THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY.
President and CEO Kim Choong-ho
Dear shareholders,
Thank you for taking your time to attend the Hyundai Motor’s 47th annual shareholders’ meeting.
The year 2014 was full of challenges for the automobile industry, with the lowest market
growth rate since 2010 and the global economy settling into a new normal of slow growth.
The global economy slumped largely due to the slow growth of emerging economies. Backed by
a favorable exchange rate, Japanese automakers presented a particularly difficult challenge to
their competitors, including Hyundai Motor. Nevertheless, we achieved an annual sales growth
of 4%, producing and selling 4.96 million units and surpassing our annual business target.
We also strengthened our reputation as a leading automaker with significant achievements in
quality management, R&D and brand image. Hyundai Motor was placed first in JD Power’s Initial
Quality Study in the US and second in JD Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study in China. Our
flagship sedan model, Genesis received great reviews, as did the new Sonata and i10.
Hyundai Motor reaffirmed competitiveness in next-generation technology with the Tucson
(ix35) FCEV’s powertrain being listed as one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines. Moreover, Hyundai’s
brand value has increased significantly yet again, moving up to 40th place in Interbrand's Best
Global Brands, making 2014 yet another year of strong growth in brand value.
All these achievements were made possible thanks to the strong support of our shareholders.
We are determined to make 2015 another year full of great achievements. In 2015, we will
overcome any challenges by working together even more effectively and in turn strengthening
our internal capacity. We are aiming to manufacture and sell 5.05 million units and thereby
surpassing the five million annual sales mark for the first time in Hyundai Motor’s history.
Hyundai Motor’s key strategies for achieving this target are as follows.
First, we will continue to maintain our competitive edge in quality management. All members of
Hyundai Motor will work together to further improve product quality and productivity at the
same time, in order to avoid any large recalls such as the one recently experienced by another
major automaker. Utmost efforts will be made by all departments at Hyundai Motor to optimize
the quality of all new models released in 2015.
Second, in order to achieve our ambitious sales target, we will also make greater investments to
achieve leapfrog improvements in our customers’ experience at the point of sales and services.
Hyundai Motor’s ultimate goal is to achieve sustainable business growth whilst being a much
beloved brand.
Third, we will continue to invest in R&D to enhance Hyundai Motor’s future competitiveness.
We will invest in the development of innovative fuel efficiency improvement technologies as well
as in green and smart technologies, leading on innovation and exceeding customer expectations.
Lastly, I would like to once again emphasize that every single member of Hyundai Motor will
give their best to innovate and achieve our ambitious sales target of 5.05 million units.
Dear shareholders,
I ask for your continued support this year, as you have given us to date. We, at Hyundai, will
strive to create greater value for customers and make Hyundai Motor a global leader in the
automobile industry.
I wish you and your family great fortune and good health.
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY Annual Report 2014
Message from the CEO 12 / 13