The trophy is regarded as the Autocar’s highest accolade and most prestigious personal award
Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun has won the Issigonis Trophy at the 2021 Autocar Awards ceremony, the group said on June 9.
Named in honor of legendary car designer Sir Alec Issigonis, the Trophy is Autocar's highest accolade. Each year it is presented to a stand-out individual within the global automotive industry, whom Autocar judges deem to have delivered an exceptional level of success.
In recognizing the visionary leadership of Chairman Chung on the presentation of the Issigonis Award, Autocar editor-in-chief Steve Cropley said, “In the last decade the Hyundai Motor Group has grown into one of the world’s leading car firms, and Chairman Chung has been key to that transformation. We’re proud to award him this year’s Issigonis Trophy to recognize his achievements.”
Cropley added, “While Hyundai and Kia were considered unexciting budget brands with limited market share just a decade ago, under Chung’s leadership they have made incredible progress, winning market share and customers with cars that are the match of any mainstream rival.”
On receiving the Issigonis Trophy, Chairman Chung commented, “It’s a true honor to receive this prestigious award from Autocar and I must thank all my colleagues for their contribution in securing this accolade. Despite the dramatic upheaval of the global auto industry and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hyundai Motor Group is spearheading a paradigm shift and what lies at the heart of our efforts is our single-minded focus on serving and empowering our customers. “
Recent significant advances by the Hyundai Motor Group made under the Chairman’s tenure include the introduction of highly advanced electric vehicles: the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6.
Both use the group’s new, dedicated EV platform, the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). In addition to the high-performance N brand of Hyundai Motor Company, the Group has also launched HTWO dedicated fuel cell brand, and the Genesis premium luxury brand.