Hyundai Motor Company Part II—Rapid Growth and Internationalization: 1987–1996

This chapter, “Hyundai Motor Part II: Rapid Growth and Internationalization: 1987–1996,” serves as the second of two chapters on Korea’s largest automaker. It begins by describing how the Hyundai “Excel Phenomenon” provoked trade friction with the U.S. and Canada (1987–1988). This is followed by a discussion of the unsteady launch of Hyundai’s Canadian Plant in Bromont, Quebec (1988–1992). The third through fifth sections chronicle the automaker’s rapid expansion and internationalization during the first half of Young-sam Kim’s national regime (1993–1996). This includes discussions of Hyundai’s substantial domestic plant construction activities at the time, including major enlargements in Ulsan, and the openings of its Jeonju commercial vehicle and Asan sedan plants. In addition, the sudden demise of its Canadian factory and the automaker’s new overseas production initiatives, primarily in the Developing World, are reviewed. The chapter concludes with a summary of Hyundai’s growth path and future at the start of 1997.