Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Euisun Pledges to Turn Czech Plant into European Hub for Eco-Friendly Vehicles

Hyundai Motor Co Executive Chairman Chung Euisun has pledged to turn the South Korean automotive conglomerate’s plant in the Czech Republic into a European hub for the production of environmentally friendly vehicles.

During his visit to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) in Nošovice, Ostrava, he also promised to make no effort to turn the Czech facility into a center for Hyundai’s electrification drive in Europe through aggressive investments.

“The Czech plant is the key European hub for our investment in eco-friendly mobility and future technology. It plays a vital role in Hyundai’s continued growth and success amid market uncertainty,” he said. “We are committed to investment and active support here to improve the quality and safety of vehicles.”

HMMC: Hyundai’s Only Electric Vehicle Production Site in Europe

HMMC is Hyundai Motor Group’s only electric vehicle production site in Europe. The factory is in the midst of a transformation into a smart factory to lead the Korean carmaker’s electrification drive across Europe.

Established in November 2008, HMMC has an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles.

Currently, Hyundai produces the Kona Electric, the Tucson Hybrid, and the Tucson Plug-in Hybrid at the plant.

Hyundai to Redirect EV Lineup to Refuse Down

Hyundai plans to address slowing EV demand in Europe, the world’s top eco-friendly vehicle market, by offering more EVs in addition to the popular Tucson Hybrid.

The Korean automaker plans to bring more IONIQ 5 electric crossovers to Europe from Korea and unveil the Inster, its latest all-electric crossover city car, in the region later this month.

Showcased at a Korean motor show in July, the Hyundai Inster is an A-segment subcompact urban EV that builds on the design legacy of the gasoline-powered Casper launched in 2021.

The Inster is called Casper Electric in Korea.

Kia on the Move in Europe

Hyundai’s sister company, Kia Corp. is also increasing efforts to improve its presence in the European EV market.

Kia is building an electric vehicle manufacturing system at its factory in Slovakia, with operations set for the second half of 2025.

The company plans to bring a refined version of the EV6 and add an affordable trim of the larger EV9 to Europe.

The EV3, a budget electric model, is also expected to launch in Europe later this year – the model’s global debut outside of Korea.