4,000,000 Cars from Nošovice to the World: Hyundai Celebrates a Milestone

• The Nošovice-based Hyundai plant has reached a major production milestone: the 4,000,000th vehicle has rolled off the assembly line. The landmark car was a Hyundai TUCSON N Line

• Electrified vehicles — including electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models — currently account for nearly 40% of total production

• The long-time production leader at the Nošovice plant is the Hyundai TUCSON, which consistently represents over 70% of the plant’s total output

The first million cars rolled off the production line in 2013, the second in 2016, the third in 2019 — and now, just three years later, Hyundai’s Nošovice plant has reached another major milestone. On Monday, November 14, 2022, the 4,000,000th vehicle was produced: a Hyundai TUCSON N Line featuring a dynamic trim and mild-hybrid drive, destined for a customer in Olomouc. Despite the pandemic, global supply chain disruptions, and other external challenges, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) continues to maintain a high pace of production. This year, the company expects to produce over 321,000 vehicles — surpassing even the “pre-pandemic” levels of 2019.

“Our employees and suppliers deserve immense recognition for how they’ve managed the challenges of recent years. I’m pleased that thanks to their skills and dedication, we can celebrate yet another major milestone. The Nošovice plant plays a crucial role within the Hyundai group, and its importance will only grow in the coming years as the automotive industry faces new challenges.”

Cheolseung Baek, HMMC president

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The production of the fourth million vehicles at the Nošovice plant mirrors the ongoing trend of electrification. Until 2019, the factory produced only petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. That changed in early 2020 with the launch of the Hyundai KONA Electric — the first mass-produced next-generation electric vehicle in the Czech Republic. Later that same year, the arrival of the new generation Hyundai TUCSON marked the beginning of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle production in Nošovice. Meanwhile, the share of diesel-powered cars has been steadily declining, accounting for just 9% of production this year. Electrified vehicles — including battery electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models — now make up nearly 40% of total output, and that proportion is expected to continue growing.

Nošovice-Built Cars Reach Beyond Europe

The long-standing most-produced car from Nošovice is the Hyundai TUCSON, accounting for over 70% of total output. The i30 model range, including hatchback, wagon, and fastback body styles, contributes approximately 17%, while the KONA Electric makes up around 10% of production. The remaining share is represented by the acclaimed i30 N performance model, produced as both hatchback and fastback.

Germany continues to be HMMC’s largest customer, receiving over 14% of this year’s total production. Other major markets include the United Kingdom, Spain, and France. The TUCSON remains the top-selling compact SUV in Europe, building on its strong sales performance from last year. The popular SUV from Nošovice is also exported in large volumes to the Middle East and numerous other global markets. In 2023, vehicles from HMMC were shipped to 66 destinations worldwide.

While Germany clearly leads the overall ranking of largest export markets, the i30 model distribution is more balanced. Germany and Poland are nearly tied for first place, followed by the Czech Republic, where the i30 is currently the best-selling model in the private segment. Other key markets for the i30 include Slovakia, Austria, and Romania. The KONA Electric is most in demand in Germany, France, Norway, and Italy, while for the i30 N, Australia ranks second behind Germany. “In April this year, we increased our production line speed from 57 to 65 vehicles per hour and have successfully maintained this pace despite global challenges in component supply. We are seeing strong demand for our vehicles and are doing our utmost to meet customer expectations. We are also deeply engaged in preparations for upcoming projects that will go into production in the coming years. Our team of engineers plays a key role not only in ensuring manufacturability on our production lines but also in verifying the functional performance of new models. This allows us to help shape the character and specifications of the vehicles,” said Martin Klíčník, Head of Manufacturing Subdivision, HMMC.

The evolving model portfolio goes hand in hand with advancements in production. Hyundai Nošovice is investing in technologically advanced automation. For example, batteries for the KONA Electric are now transported from the warehouse to the production line by autonomous vehicles, and a new robotic station with six robots was added to the Final Assembly hall this summer to automatically tighten all key underbody fasteners.

The number of employees has increased year-on-year due to higher production levels. HMMC now employs nearly 3,300 people, 92% of whom are Czech nationals. The average employee is over 38 years old and has been with the company for more than 8 years. HMMC offers above-average salaries and a wide range of employee benefits both within the Moravian-Silesian Region and across the Czech Republic.

Responsible and Sustainable Business

As part of the global Hyundai Motor Group, the Nošovice plant is a pioneer in the field of green energy. Starting this year, it has become the first Hyundai manufacturing facility to operate entirely on electricity sourced from renewable energy — including biogas plants, photovoltaic systems, and wind power. All the energy purchased by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) is backed by certificates guaranteeing its origin.

A key focus is also placed on reducing natural gas and electricity consumption, in line with the company’s long-standing sustainability strategy and commitment to environmental responsibility — a priority since the very construction of the plant. HMMC leverages state-of-the-art technology and top-tier laboratories to ensure high standards of environmental protection. Throughout the entire production process, an advanced waste management system is in place, ensuring effective waste separation and recycling. For example, in 2021, 88% of waste generated at the plant was recycled. Social responsibility is also a fundamental part of the company’s strategy. This includes grant programs, partnerships with key institutions in the Moravian-Silesian Region, close cooperation with surrounding municipalities, and a wide range of volunteer activities led by HMMC employees.

Specification of the 4,000,000^th Vehicle Produced at HMMC

Model: Hyundai TUCSON N Line
Engine: 1.6 T-GDI petrol engine with Mild Hybrid technology
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT)
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD)
Trim: N Line with Premium package
Exterior Color: Shadow Grey with contrasting black roof (two-tone paint finish)
Interior: Obsidian Black

Interesting Facts About Production

• The most produced model by HMMC to date is the previous generation of the TUCSON – with a total of 1,180,445 units manufactured (29.5% of all vehicles produced at the plant).

• The current generation of the TUCSON reached 423,274 units produced within two years of production start, by October 2022.

• The record production year was 2016, with 358,400 vehicles manufactured, including: 246,683 units of the 3rd generation TUCSON, 73,337 units of the 2nd generation i30, 33,609 units of the ix20,4,771 units of the 3rd generation i30

• The production plan for the current year is set at 321,500 vehicles. In 2008, the plant produced 12,473 vehicles (all of the 1st generation i30). The first full production year was 2009, with 118,022 vehicles manufactured, including: 111,934 units of the Hyundai i30