The success of the Hyundai Group has taken the automotive industry by surprise, even caught it cold. The design and model offensive is now being followed by a technological race to catch up - with potential for German suppliers. "We still have a few arrows in our quiver," says Jürgen Grimm, Hyundai Head of Powertrain in Europe, in an exclusive interview with the trade magazine "Automobil Industrie" in the current issue.



That is the past: after considerable initial success in the mid-1980s, Hyundai disappeared from the radar screen of the competition from Europe, Japan and North America. But the former top dogs are no longer laughing: With 7.5 million vehicles produced in 2011, Hyundai and Kia have become world leaders. Forecast rising! The two brands are also positioned for long-term success, which means that competition with the German volume and premium manufacturers is intensifying.



The two brands command the respect of experts in practically all relevant fields. Major development leaps have been made in engine development. The European development center in Rüsselsheim consistently focuses on downsizing and turbocharging, and the diesel engines achieve record-breaking fuel consumption figures. The leap in design is also huge.



The vertical range of manufacture in the Hyundai Group is unrivaled. "Our own suppliers are in competition with external suppliers. Nevertheless, we are always very open to new ideas and products," says Jürgen Grimm, Head of Powertrain Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center.



Read more about Hyundai, Kia and the new i30 model in the current issue of "Automobil Industrie" 5/2012.



Free press copy at: gunther.schunk@vogel.de.



"Automobil Industrie" is aimed at technical management in the automotive business - at manufacturers and suppliers, service providers and equipment suppliers. The monthly trade magazine has a circulation of around 10,000 copies and has been a must-read for trailblazers in the industry for over 50 years. Daily news is available at www.automobilindustrie.de and in the regular newsletter. The parent company Vogel Business Media is one of Germany's leading providers of specialist information with around 100 specialist magazines and 60 web portals, business events and numerous international activities. Its headquarters are in Würzburg. The company celebrated its 120th birthday in 2011.