Hyundai Motor Group to Invest KRW 125.2 Trillion in Korea by 2030 – Hydrogen Included
November 18, 2025
Hyundai Motor Group has announced a record domestic investment plan of KRW 125.2 trillion for the period 2026–2030, aimed at strengthening South Korea’s position as a global mobility innovation hub and driving national economic growth.
This new commitment represents a sharp increase of KRW 36.1 trillion compared to the Group’s KRW 89.1 trillion investment from 2021 to 2025. The five-year plan translates into an average annual investment of KRW 25.04 trillion — more than 40% higher than the previous period.
Three Pillars of Investment
The KRW 125.2 trillion will be allocated across three major areas:
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KRW 50.5 trillion for future business development, including AI, Software Defined Vehicles (SDV), electrification, robotics, and hydrogen
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KRW 38.5 trillion for research and development to drive new products and core technologies
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KRW 36.2 trillion for capital expenditure to optimize production facilities and complete the Group’s Global Business Center (GBC)
This strategy will reinforce Korea’s capacity in advanced technologies and future mobility sectors.
Advancing Korea’s AI/Robotics Ecosystem
A significant portion of the investment focuses on transforming Korea into an AI and robotics powerhouse:
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Establishing a high-power AI data center with petabyte-scale storage for autonomous driving and robotics data
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Creating the Hyundai Motor Group Physical AI Application Center for large-scale behavioral model testing and safety validation
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Building a robotics manufacturing and foundry facility to support full in-house robotics production and provide foundry services for SMEs
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Supporting auto parts suppliers to enter the robotics components sector, boosting localization and high-value exports
These initiatives aim to accelerate Korea’s shift toward a next-generation industrial ecosystem powered by AI and advanced robotics.
Major Push into Green Hydrogen and Electrolyzer Manufacturing
Hyundai Motor Group will significantly expand its role in Korea’s hydrogen economy, including:
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Developing next-generation hydrogen fuel cell systems, hydrogen buses, and heavy-duty trucks
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Constructing a 1 GW PEM electrolysis plant in Korea’s southwest, leveraging abundant renewable energy and proximity to hydrogen logistics hubs
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Establishing facilities for PEM electrolyzer and hydrogen fuel cell component production, targeting global export markets
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Considering the development of a Hydrogen AI Smart City, integrating AI, hydrogen, and V2X technologies
These investments support the establishment of a complete hydrogen value chain — from production and supply to storage and utilization.
Strengthening EV and Mobility Manufacturing in Korea
The Group plans to elevate Korea’s role as a global manufacturing hub by:
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Expanding EV-dedicated production lines
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Building new plants, including Hyundai’s upcoming EV plant in Ulsan and a hydrogen fuel cell facility set to open in 2027
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Boosting exports to 2.47 million units by 2030, with EV exports rising from 690,000 units in 2024 to 1.76 million units by 2030
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Supporting nationwide infrastructure expansion, including EV charging networks and LNG power generation
Future Business Focus Areas (2026–2030)
Key investment priorities include:
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AI-powered autonomous driving and AI-driven manufacturing
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Software Defined Vehicle development under the “Pleos” mobility software brand
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Extended Range Electrified Vehicles (ER EVs) with over 900 km range
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Internalizing battery design and development
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Building a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem and advancing fuel cell vehicle leadership
Conclusion
Hyundai Motor Group’s KRW 125.2 trillion investment plan is one of the largest industrial commitments in Korea’s history. It aims to cement Korea’s leadership in global mobility innovation, expand AI and hydrogen industries, modernize domestic manufacturing, and deliver broad economic impact across multiple regions.
