Marking 25 years of overseas operations, the South Korean automaker projects a 7–8 per cent growth in export volumes this fiscal, driven by strong demand across key global markets. Since launching exports in 1999, HMIL shipped 163,386 units in FY25, marginally up from 163,155 units in FY24. Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Mexico, Chile, and Peru were among the top destinations for ‘made-in-India’ cars during the last fiscal year.
To date, HMIL has shipped over 3.7 million India-built cars and SUVs to more than 150 countries worldwide. With these volumes, HMIL remains the largest cumulative exporter of passenger vehicles from India. It currently supplies vehicles to over 60 nations, offering nine tailor-made models across the APAC, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America regions. Recently, it also began supplying the Creta Electric to neighboring markets. Emerging economies offer significant growth opportunities. HMIL hit its first million-unit milestone in 2010, reached 2 million in 2014, and surpassed 3 million in 2020.
Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of HMIL, highlighted the company’s ambition to become Hyundai Motor Company’s largest export hub outside South Korea. “In FY25, we achieved a major milestone and reinforced our leadership as India’s top car exporter. For FY26, we expect volume growth of 7–8 per cent, fueled by strong demand from emerging markets,” he said.
Kim emphasized Hyundai’s strategic vision of positioning HMIL as a central hub for supplying vehicles to developing regions such as the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. With access to over 80 international markets through established distributor networks, the company is also evaluating entry into developed countries, including Australia.
In FY25, exports accounted for 21 per cent of HMIL’s overall sales. The company aims to raise this share to 30 per cent by 2030, positioning India as its second-largest global production and distribution base after South Korea.
HMIL’s most widely shipped models include the Grand i10 (1.57 million units), Accent (over 576,000), Atos (568,000+), i20 (500,000+), and Creta (285,000).
Chennai Port has played a vital role in supporting these operations since 1999. As Tamil Nadu’s largest automotive OEM, HMIL benefits from a dedicated vehicle yard at the port that can hold over 4,000 units.
With increased capacity from the upcoming Pune plant, HMIL will gain additional headroom for expansion in both domestic and export markets.
“With the expansion of the Pune plant, we will reach 1.1 million units in capacity. Our current model lineup is well-suited for global markets, giving us confidence in continued growth,” Kim added.
