Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, José Muñoz.
Wow. Very nice. Good afternoon. Welcome to New York, and welcome to Hyundai. Thank you for being here. We could have revealed this car anywhere in the world, but we chose New York because this is a place that rewards people who are bold and because more Tucsons are sold in the U.S. than anywhere else. Let me start with why this car matters so much to us. Tucson is the seventh best-selling vehicle in the world. More than 10 million people have bought one over the last 22 years. Last year alone, we sold more than 650,000 in more than 100 markets. For many families, Tucson is the first Hyundai they ever chose, and very often it is the reason they come back to us. So when we redesigned this car, we are not working on one model.
We are working on the center of our business, for customers on six continents. That is why Tucson is our global hero model. It is sold in more markets than any other vehicle we make, and it carries the same promise everywhere. Before we look at the car, let me give you an update on the business. Our fundamentals are strong. Despite significant challenges and uncertainty, we sold 2 million vehicles in the first half of this year and delivered record revenue. We just finished the best third quarter in our history in the U.S. for both Hyundai and Genesis. Our hybrids were up 39% in September and were 28% of everything we sold. Tucson had its best quarter ever. Here in the U.S., our hybrid sales are up 56% so far this year. In the first half, they were up 67%.
That is what happens when you give customers choices. For the second year running, Hyundai Motor Group is the third largest automotive group in the world by volume, and second in operating income. We are putting that strength to work. Here in the U.S., we are investing $26 billion between 2025 and 2028 and creating 25,000 new direct jobs. We are well on our way to achieving this. Together with our partners, we have nearly $14 billion of projects underway right now across four states. In Georgia, our Metaplant is producing hybrids as well as EVs, and we are expanding it by another 200,000 units of capacity. Our battery joint venture recently started production. Across Georgia, we have committed $12.6 billion together with our partners. It is the largest economic development project in that state's history. In Louisiana, we celebrated a $5.8 billion low-carbon steel mill.
In Alabama, we are investing close to $500 million to build the all-new Tucson, its new hybrid engine, the all-new Santa Fe, and our first extended range EV engine. In total, we are adding 500,000 units of production capacity in North America. We have been in this country more than 40 years and sold more than 17 million vehicles here. 6 million of those were built in Alabama, where we support 40,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute billions of dollars a year to that state's economy. Across the group, our U.S. operations support around 570,000 jobs. We build where we sell. That was true before tariffs, and it will be true long after. In Korea, we are investing KRW 125 trillion in artificial intelligence, software-defined vehicles, electrification, robotics, and hydrogen, along with research and our manufacturing base. It is the largest domestic investment in our history.
What does all of this mean for customers? For Hyundai and Genesis, it means that between now and 2030, we will introduce more than 100 new or refreshed vehicles globally, 58 of them right here in North America. The all-new Tucson is the first of those 58. It also means we are becoming a technology company. Under the leadership of our executive chair, we are moving into robotics, autonomous driving, software and physical AI. We are putting autonomous vehicles on public roads with our partners. Through Boston Dynamics, we are preparing to scale robot production. We are building a robotics manufacturing facility here in the United States with 30,000 units of annual capacity starting in 2028, and we will have more to say about it very soon.
We are deploying robots in our own factories, where they take on the work that is difficult and repetitive, and we are creating new kinds of jobs. Through our dealers, we are already having a retail network that could sell robots, and Hyundai Capital is exploring how we might finance them. Development, production, distribution, sales, and financing of robots. That is the power of the group, and none of it happens without a healthy car business, which is helping us fund the future. Speaking of the car business, let's get to the Tucson. SangYup will tell you more about our design language, which we call Art of Steel. You will see it in the surfaces and the fenders that give this car a more confident stance. Longer, wider, and taller, Tucson is bigger where it counts, and it looks like nothing else in its segment.
Inside, our designers built what they call a furnished space. Cushion surfaces on the doors and the console. A cabin that goes quiet the moment you close the door. On powertrain, our approach has not changed. We give customers what they want. Our hybrid is one of the reasons this car is so popular. In North America, we have sold more than 1 million hybrids since the first Sonata Hybrid. By 2030, we will offer more than 10 hybrid models, and hybrids will be half of everything we sell in this region. Our new hybrid system delivers intelligent efficiency, which means the best combination of efficiency and performance. 233 horsepower, 27% more power than the gasoline version, 43% more torque, and 50% better fuel economy at the same time. Stay Mode keeps your air conditioning and your audio running with the engine off, which is a first in this segment.
Then there is the software. Today, we introduce Pleos Connect on Tucson. It offers a digital assistant, Gleo AI, that answers your questions in ordinary language. Thanks to over-the-air updates, this car keeps getting smarter and more capable after you buy it. You will be glad to know that we kept physical buttons for the things you reach for while driving. For customers who go farther than the pavement, XRT Pro is the most capable Tucson we have ever built, with Smart Terrain Assist reading the ground in real time while you steer. Our founder built this company by turning challenges into opportunities. That instinct still drives us. It is why we have hybrids when the market wants hybrids, extended range EVs arriving next year, and robots being built in America in 2028. Our vision is simple: transportation that is safer, cleaner, cooler, and more convenient.
Tonight is about a car that 10 million families already trust. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the all-new Hyundai Tucson.
Please welcome SangYup Lee, Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design.
The boldest, aren't they? Good afternoon, everyone. Thanks for joining us today. Every vehicle becomes part of someone's life, and as designers, we come with responsibility because great design is not just seen, it is felt. For the all-new Tucson, we wanted people to feel two things, confidence, comfort, and they shape everything you see here tonight. Our exterior design journey began with what we call Art of Steel. By pushing steel to its limits, we reveal the full potential of its strength, tension, and precision. A powerful design statement, and tonight, Art of Steel reaches its boldest expression yet. Tucson's boldest character starts with proportions. It is 2.4 inches longer, 1.6 inches wider
With an additional 1.2 inches in the wheelbase, this allowed us to create a silhouette that feels stronger, more grounded, and unmistakably SUV. The fenders play an important role there, too. It is great, isn't it? Hybrid. Here, Tucson's boldness becomes physical. They are deep, tense, and dominant as if steel's inherent energy is captured within the volume itself. There is more behind these fenders. They say something about how we work as one team. Because achieving this extreme draw depth is more than a design decision. It demands advanced press forming and a real manufacturing capability. It is the result of design and manufacturing aligning on one goal and choosing to push the limit together. Our effort did not stop at the press. Inspired by architectural lighting, the age as lighting reinforces Tucson's width and presence.
Combined with a soft layer of indirect lighting, it adds depth and sophistication to horizontal graphic, further enhancing Tucson's bold and high-tech character. This expression continues at the rear, where the prism rear lamp creates a distinctive signature with the light resting at the edge of the transparent lens while revealing an intricate pattern within. The same sense of refinement is shown in the color. We developed tones that hold depth under challenging, changing the light, sharpening the sculpture, and strengthen the volume. The one we see here is finished Driftwood Gray Matte, a deep, earth-inspired gray that gives the body its quiet confidence. Inside, confidence takes on a different form. Throughout our interior design language is called Art of Comfort. We create a space that feels calm, intuitive, and reassuring.
We draw inspiration from the clarity of well organized workspace, where everything feels exactly where it should be. At the same time, soft, voluminous forms expressed throughout our curve of upholstery bring a sense of warmth and comfort throughout the cabin. Because true comfort comes from feeling safe and in control, we shape the experience around a clear principle, eyes on the road, hands on the wheel. A slim driver display sits naturally within your line of sight with only the essential information for instant recognition. Key functions remain as physical buttons below the large Pleos Connect display, so you can act without breaking focus. With the extended armrest, every interaction feels effortless. It is about knowing where to look, knowing where to reach. So from the way Tucson holds its ground to the way it supports you inside, boldness is expressed through every detail.
This is not the only expression of Tucson. For some, confidence is meant to go even further, beyond the road to where capability and instinct are enhanced. Tucson XRT Pro, tougher, more rugged. Strong vertical connections in both front and rear emphasize key functional elements, thus creating stronger sense of protection and purpose. Lower body is strengthened with 1.2 inches additional ground clearance, raising approach angle by 1.3 degree and the departure angle by 1.6 degree. The robust skid plate, front recovery hooks, and extended cladding, the finish in the distinctive forged carbon inspired pattern. The wheels carry the same intent with strong interlocking forms, the wrap in all-terrain tires to give the body greater composure. Inspired by color of vast red rock landscapes, Red Rock Orange Pearl evokes the spirit of exploration that defines XRT Pro.
Together, these details create a protective layer around the vehicle, strengthening XRT Pro's identity. A vehicle ready for outdoor adventure anytime. From the bold strength of Art of Steel, to the warmth of Art of Comfort, we spent years challenging ourselves, refining every surface, then pushing every idea further. Because confidence isn't created in a single moment. It is built detail by detail. That is the all-new Tucson and Tucson XRT. Thank you.
I know the doubt is real. It's not going to be easy. You know exactly what's waiting for you out there. Big lay up. Music. Come on. They think they've got us figured out. Let's go. They think they can break our will. One. Waiting for you to slow down. Waiting for you to quit. Let them. The second they think you're cornered, carve a new path. Along the way, you'll meet your limit. Embrace the pain. Embrace the weight. Tough times don't last, tough people do. Nobody do it like I do it. So pick it up. Lock in. You are the one who can change the game. So when that wall goes up, break through. Because this is when your boldest self comes out. The boldest Tucson.
Ladies and gentlemen, Head of Vehicle Development Tech Unit 2, Jin Hwan Jung.
Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Jin Hwan Jung, Head of Vehicle Development Tech Unit 2, Hyundai Motor Company. The all-new Tucson command presence of the moment we see it. A robust proportion, a bold volume, and the confidence to move forward on any road. This is the all-new Tucson, the boldest. When we speak of boldness, it's not simply about looking stronger, because customers' trust in a vehicle isn't built on first impression alone. Every day on the road, customers expect it all. Efficiency, comfort, space, and confidence to choose new paths without compromise. That is where the new Tucson begins. By refusing to compromise. We went bolder, we engineered deeper, and we raised the bar. It all starts where it matters most, in the everyday drive. Today's hybrid customers expect more than just great mileage. They expect it all. Efficiency, acceleration, handling, and even light quietness.
Our answer was simple. A great hybrid shouldn't just save fuel. It must respond faster to drive intentionally and adapt intelligently to cover all road conditions. That philosophy is engineered into our next generation hybrid system. We are defining a new standard for hybrid system, that is intelligent efficiency. It is a precise control that adapts to driver's intention and road conditions by delivering optimal efficiency and performance. The next generation hybrid system is built on dual motor architecture. The P1 motor is directly coupled to the crankshaft for seamless power delivery, while the strength in the P1 motor now delivers 47.7 kW. With these two motors working in sync, we will strengthen the transmission torque capacity, achieving a combined output of 233 horsepower. The P1 motor strengthens load leveling control, keeping the engine at peak efficiency across most driving conditions.
Paired with intelligent regenerative braking that adapts to real-time road conditions, it delivers greater efficiency completely effortlessly. Together, these innovations target an outstanding 42 mi per gallon. We didn't stop at efficiency. The direct-coupled P1 motor delivers smooth, natural acceleration with instant response at higher speed for a sportier drive. The upgraded HEV2 motor achieves a class-leading top speed at 118 mi per hour and 3,000 lbs of towing capacity. Finally, we also brought EV expertise with Stay Mode. Enjoy climate control and infotainment without any startup. The system intelligently pre-charge the battery, ensuring comfort the moment you arrive. There's something else customers won't negotiate. That is space. Tucson drivers pursue dynamic lives, family weekdays, adventure weekend, evolving needs. So we designed a space that captures every chapter. The all-new Tucson delivers class-leading cargo space at 41.7 cu ft.
Rear passengers benefit from class-leading leg and headroom for ultimate comfort. We built it to grow with you, seamlessly adapting to all transitions and opportunities throughout the life cycle. True comfort is in everyday moment, securing a car seat, helping a family member on board, organizing gears. We expanded the rear door opening angle up to 83 degrees, making entry and exit effortless. True comfort also comes from riding quality and quietness. So we redesigned the chassis, suspension, and acoustical materials based on customer feedback. As a result, the all-new Tucson preserves its solid SUV stability while offering serenity in the city and greater comfort on long drives. Screens are getting bigger, and there are some multiple features out there. But customers want simpler, faster, more intuitive access to the essential features. We deliver the seamless connectivity with the physical controls for frequently used function and ergonomic palm rest.
The all-new Tucson is built for more than just the daily routine. For our customers, SUV is both a daily commuter and weekend getaway machine. Yet the common perception is that off-road capability demand sacrificing efficiency and practicality. That's why we created the Tucson XRT Pro. Our first hybrid off-road trim. XRT Pro combines intelligent efficiency with real off-road capability, increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and towing hooks. We've also equipped it with Smart Terrain Assist, a world first technology. It precisely control wheel traction across varying surfaces, helping drivers navigate challenging terrain with greater stability. That's the XRT Pro. Go further, go freely, stay efficient. At the core lies our unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and durability. Because your family's safety is everything, the all-new Tucson combines advanced safety system to protect every journey. Targeting IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and five-star ratings.
The all-new Tucson is engineered so you and your loved ones can drive with even greater confidence. The all-new Tucson doesn't ask drivers to make sacrifices. It doesn't trade efficiency for driving pleasure, strength for comfort and quietness, or spaciousness for any other value. Every standard that customers expect from an SUV, we've raised them all. Bolder than ever. This is the boldest. The completely reimagined Tucson. Thank you. Next, let's hear from Eric Wood as his talk take a closer look at Pleios Connect.
Good evening. I'm Eric Wood, Head of Product Experience at 42dot. 42dot is Hyundai Motor Group's software center of excellence. I think you heard Tucson is the boldest. When we think about what makes a vehicle bold, we think about the design, we think about capability and where it can take us, but there's another change happening inside the vehicle. For most of automotive history, the experience that you bought was the experience that you kept. Capabilities were largely set when the vehicle left the factory. Software changes that. Software gives us an opportunity to create a vehicle that can understand more, do more, and continue to evolve through its life. At the heart of the experience in the all-new Tucson is Pleios Connect. Connect is a software foundation for user experience in the all-new Tucson.
It brings together functions, vehicle functions, information, entertainment, digital services, and intelligence into one integrated experience. What's more important is how we think about the product. Pleios Connect isn't simply infotainment software running on screens. It's a platform for vehicle experiences, and it signals a fundamental shift in how we think about the vehicle. Not as hardware with software added on top, but as an integrated system that improves and gets more capable over time. Four principles guide how we think about Pleios Connect. Everything in harmony, understands my needs, brings my world along, and evolves over time. Customers should not need to understand the technology underneath. They should simply experience what it makes possible. A vehicle is one product, but software can often feel like separate systems sitting next to each other. Navigation over here, climate over there, and media somewhere else.
Pleios Connect starts with a different idea, seamlessness. Vehicle functions, controls, information, apps, and services work together as one experience. The deeper that integration becomes, the less work we ask our customers to do. In our case, sophisticated technology makes the experience simpler. This is where AI changes the relationship between people and their vehicles. With Gleo, our native AI system, we're moving beyond voice assistants that wait for you to utter the magic words, if you remember them. Gleo uses LLM technology to understand natural language, intent, and context, like talking to a co-pilot. Let me demonstrate. Hey, Gleo, find me a good burger spot.
Black Iron Burger and 7th Street Burger are both solid spots nearby.
Well, which one do you recommend?
If you want something classic, Black Iron is a great pick. For something quick and simple, 7th Street is very popular.
Let's go with classic.
Sounds good. I'll set the route to Black Iron.
There it is. Gleo also understands and executes multiple requests at the same time, as well as understanding where the speaker is sitting. Hey, Gleo, it's cold in here. Set the temperature to 74 degrees and turn on my seat heater. Both commands are executed together. Now, if my passenger chimes in
Turn on mine as well.
Gleo turns on the correct seat heater. Because Gleo is part of Connect, that intelligence integrates directly into vehicle functions and services. Combined with your profile and the context, the vehicle becomes relevant to you. Not because you configure more, but because it understands you and your surroundings. Bring my world along. Customers already have digital ecosystems filled with apps and services that they love, and we don't believe entering the vehicle means leaving that world behind. Nor do we believe the whole vehicle experience should be run by your phone. Through Pleios App Market, we are opening the vehicle to third-party developers. Connect can run Android applications natively and even provides developers with APIs and vehicle context so they can create experiences that a phone projection app could never produce alone. Hyundai Motor Group brings something else to this equation, scale.
Our global ecosystem gives developers a compelling reason to invest. Some of the most exciting future vehicle experiences may not come from us at all. Our job is to make them possible. Software keeps getting better. The experience that you have in your vehicle should not be frozen the day you buy it. Pleios Connect was developed and is maintained in-house, and that matters, because updates only create value when the organization behind them keeps improving the product. The result? Connect is smarter every day. Experiences become easier and more intelligent and more capable throughout its life. The vehicle you take home is no longer the end of the development story. It is the beginning of a new one.
When we talk about the boldest, bold is not only about what the vehicle looks like, it is about where it can take you, what you can do with it, and what it can become. Everything in harmony, understands my needs, brings my world along, and evolves over time. The all new Tucson gives us a platform for experiences that will continue to grow long after today. Because the most exciting capability of a vehicle may not be what it can do the day you buy it is what it can become. There you have it. Tucson, the boldest SUV. We hope you enjoyed the world premiere and fully experienced Tucson firsthand this evening. Thank you very much.