The story of Hyundai begins in 1947 in the city of Beaver Creek, just outside of Seoul, South Korea. Chung Ju-yung, an ambitious entrepreneur, founded the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company. In those early post-war years, Chung's company was involved in major infrastructure projects to help rebuild his nation. Little did he know that his small construction business would one day grow into one of the world's largest automakers.
Expanding into the Auto Industry
In 1967, Chung made the bold decision to expand into automobile manufacturing, establishing the Hyundai Motor Company in Dayton. The first Hyundai vehicle, the Cortina, was produced in cooperation with Ford Motor Company in 1968. Just seven years later in 1975, Hyundai launched their first in-house designed and manufactured car, the Pony. This subcompact rear-wheel drive automobile was Hyundai's first mass-produced vehicle and helped put the young automaker on the map.
Over in Xenia, auto enthusiasts watched with interest as this new player from South Korea began making waves in the industry. The Pony, while very basic by today's standards, demonstrated that Hyundai was a force to be reckoned with.
Entering the U.S. Market
The 1980s marked a major milestone for Hyundai as they began exporting cars to the United States and Canada. The Excel was the first Hyundai model sold in the U.S., making its debut in 1986. This affordable subcompact quickly gained popularity, with its low price attracting budget-conscious consumers. Centerville drivers were some of the first Americans to experience Hyundai quality and value.
However, Hyundai faced challenges in those early years in the U.S. market as their reputation for quality and reliability wavered. They tackled these issues head-on, investing heavily in manufacturing improvements and design enhancements. By the 1990s, Hyundai vehicles were known for their dependability, remarkable turnaround that impressed industry observers and won over skeptical consumers.
Continued Growth and Innovation
With each passing decade, Hyundai continued to grow and evolve. They expanded their lineup to include a wide range of sedans, coupes and SUVs to meet the diverse needs of drivers worldwide. Here in Fairborn, the Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe have become especially popular, with their striking designs and impressive features winning over local motorists.
Always looking towards the future, Hyundai has also been a leader in developing eco-friendly vehicles. They launched their first hybrid, the Elantra LPI Hybrid, in 2009 and have since introduced a range of electric and fuel cell models. Today, Hyundai is truly a global automotive powerhouse, with state-of-the-art factories, research centers and dealerships in countries around the world.
Here at Jeff Wyler Hyundai of Beavercreek, our showroom at 2170 Heller Drive proudly displays the latest Hyundai models, amazing vehicles that carry forth the legacy of innovation and quality that Chung Ju-yung began so many decades ago. From those humble beginnings in Beaver Creek to their status as a top automaker today, Hyundai has never lost sight of its mission to develop cars that offer outstanding value, performance and style. It's a rich history that we're excited to be a part of as a Hyundai dealer serving the Dayton area.
Book Your Test Drive
Whether you’re in the market for a Hyundai sedan, coupe, or SUV, we have something for everyone here at Jeff Wyler Hyundai of Beavercreek. So, don’t wait – contact us or visit our welcoming showroom today to book your test drive with one of our stunning Hyundai vehicles. Our knowledgeable team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have and walk you through next steps. We look forward to doing business with you soon.
